(Psy-Changeling Book 8)Bonds of Justice.

TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
Dedication
CHAPTER1
CHAPTER2
CHAPTER3
CHAPTER4
CHAPTER5
CHAPTER6
CHAPTER7
CHAPTER8
CHAPTER9
CHAPTER10
CHAPTER11
CHAPTER12
CHAPTER13
CHAPTER14
CHAPTER15
CHAPTER16
CHAPTER17
CHAPTER18
CHAPTER19
CHAPTER20
CHAPTER21
CHAPTER22
CHAPTER23
CHAPTER24
CHAPTER25
CHAPTER26
CHAPTER27
CHAPTER28
CHAPTER29
CHAPTER30
CHAPTER31
CHAPTER32
CHAPTER33
CHAPTER34
CHAPTER35
CHAPTER36
CHAPTER37
CHAPTER38
CHAPTER39
CHAPTER40
CHAPTER41
CHAPTER42
CHAPTER43
CHAPTER44
CHAPTER45
CHAPTER46
EPILOGUE
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Becauseyouallrock.Thankyouforbeingmy“tomodachi”!JUSTICE
WhenthePsyfirstchoseSilence,firstchosetoburytheiremotionsandturnintoice-coldindividualswhocarednothingforloveorhate,theytriedtoisolatetheirracefromthehumansandchangelings.Constantcontactwiththeraceswhocontinuedtoembraceemotionmadeitmuchhardertoholdontotheirownconditioning.
Itwasalogicalthought.
However,itprovedimpossibleinpractice.Economicsalonemadeisolationanunfeasiblegoal—PsymighthaveallbeenlinkedintothePsyNet,thesprawlingpsychicnetworkthatanchoredtheirminds,buttheywerenotallequal.Somewererich,somewerepoor,andsomewerejustgettingby.
Theyneededjobs,neededmoney,neededfood.AndthePsyCouncil,forallitsbrutalpower,couldnotprovideenoughinternalpositionsformillions.ThePsyhadtoremainpartoftheworld,aworldfilledwithchaosoneveryside,burstingattheseamswiththeextremesofjoyandsadness,fearanddespair.ThosePsywhofracturedunderthepressurewerequietly“rehabilitated,”theirmindswiped,theirpersonalitieserased.Butothersthrived.
TheM-Psy,giftedwiththeabilitytolookinsidethebodyanddiagnoseillnesses,hadneverreallywithdrawnfromtheworld.Theirskillswereprizedbyallthreeraces,andtheybroughtinagoodincome.
Theless-powerfulmembersofthePsypopulacereturnedtotheirordinary,everydayjobsasaccountantsandengineers,shopownersandbusinessmen.Exceptthatwhattheyhadonceenjoyed,despised,ormerelytolerated,theynowsimplydid
Themostpowerful,incontrast,wereabsorbedintotheCouncilsuperstructurewhereverpossible.TheCouncildidnotwanttochancelosingitsstrongest.
ThenthereweretheJs.
Telepathsbornwithaquirkthatallowedthemtoslipintomindsandretrievememories,thensharethosememorieswithothers,theJshadbeenpartoftheworld’sjusticesystemsincetheworldfirsthadone.Thereweren’tenoughJ-Psytoshedlightontheguiltorinnocenceofeveryaccused—theywerebroughtinononlythemostheinouscases:thekindsofcasesthatmadeveterandetectivesthrowupandlong-jadedreporterstakeahorrifiedstepbackward.
Realizinghowadvantageousitwouldbetohaveanentréeintoasystemthatprocessedbothhumans,andattimes,thesecretiveandpack-naturedchangelingsaswell,theCouncilallowedtheJstonotjustcontinue,butexpandtheirwork.Now,inthedawnoftheyear2081,theJsaresomuchapartoftheJusticesystemthattheirpresenceraisesnoeyebrows,causesnoripples.
And,asfortheunexpectedmentalconsequencesoflong-termworkasaJ…well,thebenefitsoutweightheoccasionalmurderousproblem.CHAPTER1
Circumstancedoesn’tmakeaman.Ifitdid,I’dhavecommittedmyfirstburglaryattwelve,myfirstrobberyatfifteen,andmyfirstmurderatseventeen.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon
ItwasasshewassittingstaringintothefaceofasociopaththatSophiaRussorealizedthreeirrefutabletruths.
One:Inalllikelihood,shehadlessthanayearleftbeforeshewassentencedtocomprehensiverehabilitation.Unlikenormalrehabilitation,theprocesswouldn’tonlywipeoutherpersonality,leaveheradroolingvegetable.Comprehensiveshadninety-ninepercentoftheirpsychicsensesfriedaswell.Allfortheirowngoodofcourse.
Two:Notasingleindividualonthisearthwouldrememberhernameaftershedisappearedfromactiveduty.
Three:Ifshewasn’tcareful,shewouldsoonendupasemptyandasinhumanasthemanontheothersideofthetable…becausetheothernessinherwantedtosqueezehisminduntilhewhimpered,untilhebled,untilhebeggedformercy.
Evilishardtodefine,butit’ssittinginthatroom.
TheechoofDetectiveMaxShannon’swordspulledherbackfromthewhisperingtemptationoftheabyss.Forsomereason,theideaofbeinglabeledevilbyhimwas…notacceptable.Hehadlookedatherinadifferentwayfromotherhumanmales,hiseyesnotingherscars,butonlyaspartofthepackagethatwasherbody.Theresponsehadbeenextraordinaryenoughtomakeherpause,meethisgaze,attempttodivinewhathewasthinking.
Thathadprovedimpossible.ButsheknewwhatMaxShannonwanted.
Bonneraloneknowswhereheburiedthebodies—weneedthatinformation.
Shuttingthedooronthedarknessinsideofher,sheopenedherpsychiceyeand,reachingoutwithhertelepathicsenses,begantowalkthetwistedpathwaysofGerardBonner’smind.Shehadtouchedmany,manydepravedmindsoverthecourseofhercareer,butthisonewasutterlyandabsolutelyunique.Manywhocommittedcrimesofthiscaliberhadamentalillnessofsomekind.Sheunderstoodhowtoworkwiththeirsometimesdisjointedandfragmentedmemories.
Bonner’smind,incontrast,wasneat,organized,eachmemoryinitsproperplace.Exceptthoseplacesandthememoriestheycontainedmadenosense,havingbeenfilteredthroughthecoldlensofhissociopathicdesires.Hesawthingsashewishedtoseethem,therealitydistorteduntilitwasimpossibletopinpointthetruthamongthespiderweboflies.
Endingthetelepathicsweep,shetookthreediscreetsecondstocenterherselfbeforeopeningherphysicaleyestostareintotherichblueirisesofthemanthemediafoundsocompelling.Accordingtothem,hewashandsome,intelligent,magnetic.WhatsheknewforafactwasthatheheldanMBAfromahighlyregardedinstitutionandcamefromoneofthepremierhumanfamiliesinBoston—therewasaprevailingsenseofdisbeliefthathewasalsotheButcherofParkAvenue,themonikercoinedafterthediscoveryofCarissaWhite’sbodyalongoneoftheavenue’sfamouswide“green”medians.
Coveredwithtulipsanddaffodilsinspring,ithadbeenasnowywonderlandoftreesandfairylightswhenCarissawasdumpedthere,herbloodaharshaccentonthesnow.ShewastheonlyoneofBonner’svictimstohaveeverbeenfound,andthepublicnatureofthedumpsitehadturnedherkillerintoaninstantstar.Ithadalsoalmostgottenhimcaught—onlythefactthatthewitnesswho’dseenhimrunningfromthescenehadbeentoofarawaytogiveEnforcementanykindofausefuldescriptionhadsavedthemonster.
“Igotmuchmorecarefulafterthat,”Bonnersaid,wearingthefaintsmilethatmadepeoplethinktheywerebeinginvitedtoshareasecretjoke.“Everyone’salittleclumsythefirsttime.”
Sophiabetrayednoreactiontothefactthatthehumanacrossfromherhadjust“readhermind,”havingexpectedthetrick.Accordingtohisfile,GerardBonnerwasamastermanipulator,abletoreadbodylanguagecuesandminutefacialexpressionstogenius-levelaccuracy.EvenSilence,itseemed,wasnotprotectionenoughagainsthisabilities—havingreviewedthevisualtranscriptsofhistrial,she’dseenhimdothesamethingtootherPsy.
“That’swhywe’rehere,Mr.Bonner,”shesaidwithacalmthatwasgrowingevercolder,evermoreremote—asurvivalmechanismthatwouldsoonchillthefewremainingsplintersofhersoul.“Youagreedtogiveupthelocationsofyourlatervictims’bodiesinreturnformoreprivilegesduringyourincarceration.”Bonner’ssentencemeanthe’dbespendingtherestofhisnaturallifeinD2,amaximumsecurityfacilitylocateddeepinthemountainousinteriorofWyoming.Createdunderaspecialmandate,D2housedthemostviciousinmatesfromaroundthecountry,thosedeemedtoohighrisktoremaininthenormalprisonsystem.
“Ilikeyoureyes,”Bonnersaid,hissmilewideningashetracedthenetworkoffinelinesonherfacewithagazethemediahadlabeled“murderouslysensual.”“Theyremindmeofpansies.”
Sophiasimplywaited,lettinghimspeak,knowinghiswordswouldbeofinteresttotheprofilerswhostoodintheroomontheothersideofthewallatherback—observinghermeetingwithBonneronalargecommscreen.Unusuallyforahumancriminal,therewerePsyobserversinthatgroup.Bonner’smentalpatternsweresoaberrantastoincitetheirinterest.
ButnomatterthecredentialsofthosePsyprofilers,MaxShannon’sconclusionsweretheonesthatinterestedSophia.TheEnforcementdetectivehadnoPsyabilities,andunlikethebutchersittingacrossfromher,hisbodywaswhipcordlean.Sleek,shethought,akintoalithelymuscledpuma.Yet,whenitcamedowntoit,itwasthepumawho’dwon—bothoverthebulgingstrengththatstrainedatBonner’sprisonoveralls,andoverthementalabilitiesofthePsydetectiveswho’dbeenenlistedintothetaskforceonceBonner’sperversionsbegantohaveaseriouseconomicimpact.
“Theyweremypansies,youknow.”Asmallsigh.“Sopretty,sosweet.Soeasilybruised.Likeyou.”Hiseyeslingeredonascarthatranaraggedlineoverhercheekbone.
Ignoringtheblatantattemptatprovocation,shesaid,“Whatdidyoudotobruisethem?”Bonnerhadultimatelybeenconvictedonthebasisoftheevidencehe’dleftonthebatteredandbrokenbodyofhisfirstvictim.Hehadn’tleftatraceatthescenesoftheotherabductions,hadbeenconnectedtothemonlybythemostcircumstantialofevidence—andMaxShannon’srelentlesspersistence.
“Sodelicateandsodamagedyouare,Sophia,”hemurmured,movinghisgazeacrosshercheek,downtoherlips.“I’vealwaysbeendrawntodamagedwomen.”
“Alie,Mr.Bonner.”Itwasextraordinarytoherthatpeoplefoundhimhandsome—whenshecouldallbutsmelltherot.“Everyoneofyourvictimswasremarkablybeautiful.”
“Allegedvictims,”hesaid,eyessparkling.“IwasonlyconvictedofpoorCarissa’smurder.ThoughI’minnocent,ofcourse.”
“Youagreedtocooperate,”sheremindedhim.Andsheneededthatcooperationtodoherjob.Because—“It’sobviousyou’velearnedtocontrolyourthoughtpatternstoacertaindegree.”ItwassomethingthetelepathsintheJ-Corpshadnotedinanumberofhumansociopaths—theyseemedtodevelopanalmostPsyabilitytoconsciouslymanipulatetheirownmemories.Bonnerhadlearnedtodoitwellenoughthatshecouldn’tgetwhatsheneededfromasurfacescan—togodeeper,dighardermightcausepermanentdamage,erasingtheveryimpressionssheneededtoaccess.
But,theothernessinhermurmured,heonlyhadtoremainaliveuntiltheylocatedhisvictims.Afterthat…
“I’mhuman.”Exaggeratedsurprise.“I’msuretheytoldyou—mymemory’snotwhatitusedtobe.That’swhyIneedaJtogoinanddigupmypansies.”
Itwasagame.Shewascertainheknewtheexactpositionofeachdiscardedbodydowntothelastcentimeterofdirtonashallowgrave.Buthe’dplayedthegamewellenoughthattheauthoritieshadpulledherin,givingBonnerthechancetosatehisurgesonceagain.Bymakinghergointohismind,hewasattemptingtoviolateher—thesolewayhehadtohurtawomannow.
“Sinceit’sobviousI’mineffective,”shesaid,risingtoherfeet,“I’llgetJusticetosendinmycolleague,BryanAmes.He’san—”
“No.”Thefirsttraceofacrackinhispolishedveneer,coveredoveralmostassoonasitappeared.“I’msureyou’llgetwhatyouneed.”
Shetuggedatthethinblackleather-synthofherleftglove,smoothingitoverherwristsoitsatneatlybelowthecuffofhercrispwhiteshirt.“I’mtooexpensivearesourcetowaste.Myskillswillbebetterutilizedinothercases.”Thenshewalkedout,ignoringhisorder—anditwasanorder—thatshestay.
Onceoutintheobservationchamber,sheturnedtoMaxShannon.“Makesureanyreplacementsyousendhimaremale.”
Aprofessionalnod,buthishandclenchedonthetopofthechairbackbesidehim,hisskinhavingthewarmgoldenbrowntoneofsomeonewhoseancestryappearedtobeamixofAsianandCaucasian.WhiletheAsiansideofhisgeneticstructurehadmadeitselfknownintheshapeofhiseyes,theCaucasiansidehadwonintheheightdepartment—hewassixfootoneaccordingtohervisualestimate.
Allthatwasfact.
Buttheimpactwasmorethanthesumofitsparts.Hehad,sherealized,thatstrangesomethingthehumanscalledcharisma.Psyprofessednottoacceptthatsuchathingexisted,buttheyallknewitdid.EvenamongtheirSilentrace,therewerethosewhocouldwalkintoaroomandholditwithnothingbuttheirpresence.
Asshewatched,Max’stendonsturnedwhiteagainsthisskinfromtheforceofhisgrip.“Hegothisrocksoffmakingyoutrawlthroughhismemories.”Hedidn’tsayanythingaboutherscars,butSophiaknewaswellashedidthattheyplayedalargepartinwhatmadehersoveryattractivetoBonner.
Thosescarshadlongagobecomeapartofher,athintraceryoflinesthatspokeofahistory,apast.Withoutthem,she’dhavenopastatall.MaxShannon,shethought,hadapastaswell.Buthedidn’twearitonthatbeautiful—nothandsome,beautiful—face.“Ihaveshields.”However,thoseshieldswerebeginningtofail,aninevitablesideeffectofheroccupation.Ifshe’dhadtheoption,shewouldn’thavebecomeaJ.Butateightyearsofage,she’dbeengivenasinglechoice—becomeaJordie.
“IheardalotofJ-Psyhaveeideticmemories,”Maxsaid,hiseyesintent.
“Yes—butonlywhenitcomestotheimageswetakeduringthecourseofourwork.”She’dforgottenpartsofher“reallife,”butshe’dneverforgetevenaninstantofthethingsshe’dseenovertheyearsshe’dspentintheJusticeCorps.
MaxhadopenedhismouthtoreplywhenBartholomewReuben,theprosecutorwho’dworkedsidebysidewithhimtocaptureandconvictGerardBonner,finishedhisconversationwithtwooftheprofilersandwalkedover.“That’sagoodideaaboutmaleJs.It’llgiveBonnertimetostew—wecanbringyouinagainwhenhe’sinamorecooperativeframeofmind.”
Max’sjawsetatabrutalangleasheresponded.“He’lldrawthisoutaslongaspossible—thosegirlsarenothingbutpawnstohim.”
Reubenwaspulledawaybyanotherprofilerbeforehecouldreply,leavingSophiaalonewithMaxagain.Shefoundherselfstayinginplacethoughsheshould’vejoinedthoseofherrace,hertaskcomplete.Butbeingperfecthadn’tkepthersafe—she’dbedeadwithintheyear,onewayoranother—sowhynotindulgeherdesireforfurtherconversationwiththishumandetectivewhosemindworkedinafashionthatfascinatedher?“Hisegowon’tlethimhidehissecretsforever,”shesaid,havingdealtwiththatkindofanarcissisticpersonalitybefore.“Hewantstosharehiscleverness.”
“AndwillyoucontinuetolistenifthefirstbodyhegivesupisthatofDariaXiu?”Histonewasabrasive,grittywithlackofsleep.
DariaXiu,Sophiaknew,wasthereasonaJhadbeenpulledintothissituation.Thedaughterofapowerfulhumanbusinessman,shewastheorizedtohavebeenBonner’sfinalvictim.“Yes,”shesaid,tellinghimonetruth.“Bonnerisdeviantenoughthatourpsychologistsfindhimaworthwhilestudysubject.”PerhapsbecausethekindofdeviancyexhibitedbytheButcherofParkAvenuehadoncebeenexhibitedbyPsyinstatisticallyhighnumbers…andwasnolongerbeingfullycontainedbySilence.
TheCouncilthoughtthepopulacedidn’tknow,andperhapstheydidn’t.ButtoSophia,aJwho’dspentherlifesteepedinthemiasmaofevil,thenewshadowsinthePsyNethadatextureshecouldalmostfeel—thick,oily,andbeginningtoriddlethefabricofthesprawlingneuralnetworkwithinsidiousefficiency.
“Andyou?”Maxasked,watchingherwithapiercingfocusthatmadeherfeelasifthatquicksilvermindmightuncoversecretsshe’dkeptconcealedforovertwodecades.“Whataboutyou?”
Theothernessinherstirred,wantingtogivehimtheunvarnished,deadlytruth,butthatwassomethingshecouldn’teversharewithamanwho’dmadeJusticehislife.“I’lldomyjob.”ThenshesaidsomethingaperfectPsyneverwouldhavesaid.“We’llbringthemhome.Nooneshouldhavetospendeternityinthecolddark.”
MaxwatchedSophiaRussowalkawaywiththecivilianobservers,unabletotakehisattentionoffher.Ithadbeentheeyesthathadfirstslammedintohim.River’seyes,he’dthoughtasshewalkedin,shehadRiver’seyes.Buthe’dbeenwrong.Sophia’seyesweredarker,moredramaticallyblue-violet,sovividhe’dalmostmissedthelushsoftnessofhermouth.Excepthehadn’t.
Andthatwasonehellofakicktotheteeth.
Becauseforallhercurvesandthetraceryofscarsthatspokeofaviolentpast,shewasPsy.Ice-coldandtiedtoaCouncilthathadfarmorebloodonitshandsthanGerardBonnereverwould.Except…Herfinalwordscircledinhismind.
We’llbringthemhome.
Ithadheldtheweightofavow.Ormaybethat’swhathe’dwantedtohear.
Wrenchingbackhisattentionwhenshedisappearedfromview,heturnedtoBartReuben,theonlyotherpersonwhoremained.“Sheweartheglovesallthetime?”Thinblackleather-synth,they’dcoveredeverythingbelowthecuffsofhershirtandsuitjacket.Itmighthavebeenbecauseshehadmoreseriousscarsonthebacksofherhands—butSophiaRussodidn’tstrikehimasthekindofwomanwho’dhidebehindsuchashield.
“Yes.EverytimeI’veseenher.”Frownlinesmarredtheprosecutor’sforeheadforasecond,beforeheseemedtoshakeoffwhateverwasbotheringhim.“She’sgotanexcellentrecord—neverfumbledaretractionyet.”
“WesawatthetrialthatBonner’ssmartenoughtofuckwithhisownmemories,”Maxsaid,watchingastheprisonerwasledfromtheinterrogationroom.Theblue-eyedButcher,themedia’smurderousdarling,staredoutatthecamerasuntilthedoorclosed,hissmileasilenttaunt.“Evenifhismindisn’ttwistedatthecore,heknowshispharmaceuticals—could’vegothishandsonsomething,deliberatelydosedhimself.”
“Wouldn’tputitpastthebastard,”Bartsaid,thegroovesaroundhismouthcarveddeep.“I’lllineupacoupleofmaleJsforBonner’snextlittleshow.”
“Xiuhavethatmuchclout?”ThetrialofGerardBonner,scionofablue-bloodedBostonfamilyandthemostsadistickillerthestatehadseenindecades,would’vequalifiedforaJatthetrialstagebutforthefactthathismemorieswereclosetoimpenetrable.
“Sociopaths,”oneJhadsaidtoMaxaftertestifyingthathecouldn’tretrieveanythingusablefromtheaccused’smind,“don’tseethetruthasothersseeit.”
“Givemeanexample,”Maxhadasked,frustratedthatthekillerwho’dsnuffedoutsomanyyoungliveshadmanagedtoslitherthroughanothernet.
“AccordingtothememoriesinBonner’ssurfacemind,CarissaWhiteorgasmedashestabbedher.”
ShakingoffthatsickeningevidenceofBonner’swarpedreality,heglancedatBart,who’dpausedtocheckane-mailonhiscellphone.“Xiu?”heprompted.
“Yeah,lookslikehehassome‘friends’inhigh-levelPsyranks.Hiscompanydoesalotofbusinesswiththem.”Puttingawaythephone,Bartbegantogatheruphispapers.“Butinthis,he’sjustashatteredfather.Dariawashisonlychild.”
“Iknow.”ThefaceofeachandeveryvictimwasimprintedonMax’smind.Twenty-one-year-oldDaria’swasagap-toothedsmile,massesofcurlyblackhair,andskinthecolorofpolishedmahogany.Shedidn’tlookanythingliketheothervictims—unlikemostkillersofhispathology,Bonnerhadn’tdifferentiatedbetweenwhite,black,Hispanic,Asian.Ithadonlybeenageandacertainkindofbeautythatdrewhim.
Whichturnedhisthoughtsbacktothewomanwho’dstaredunblinkingintothefaceofakillerwhileMaxforcedhimselftostandback,towatch.“Shefitshisvictimprofile—Ms.Russo.”SophiaRusso’seyes,herscars,madeherstrikinglyunique—acriticalaspectofBonner’spathology.He’dtargetedwomenwhowouldneverblendintoacrowd—theviolencespokenofbySophia’sscarswould,forhim,betheicingonthecake.“Didyouarrangethat?”HishandtightenedonapenashehelpedBartclearthetable.
“Strokeofluck.”Theprosecutorputthefilesinhisbriefcase.“WhenBonnersaidhe’dcooperatewithascan,werequestedtheclosestJ.Russohadjustcompletedajobhere.She’sonherwaytotheairportnow—headingtoourneckofthewoodsasamatteroffact.”
“Liberty?”Maxasked,mentioningthemaximum-securitypenitentiarylocatedonanartificialislandofftheNewYorkcoast.
Bartnoddedastheywalkedoutandtowardthefirstsecuritydoor.“She’sscheduledtomeetaprisonerwhoclaimsanotherprisonerconfessedtothecurrentlyunsolvedmutilationmurderofahigh-profilevictim.”
MaxthoughtofwhatBonnerhaddonetotheonlyoneofhisvictimsthey’deverfound,thebloodyruinthathadbeentheonce-gaminebeautyofCarissaWhite.AndhewonderedwhatSophiaRussosawwhensheclosedhereyesatnight.CHAPTER2
NikitaDuncan,PsyCouncilorandoneofthemostpowerfulwomenintheworld,scannedthebiographicaldataintheconfidentialfileinfrontofher,pausingforasecondontheattacheddigitalimage.
Thehumanmalehadadistinctiveface.Sharpcheekbones,skinthatspokeofacomplexgeneticheritage,andeyesthathintedofaparentfromcentralAsia.Butitwasn’tDetectiveMaxShannon’sappearancethatinterestedNikita.
No,shewasinterestedinsomethingfarmoreimportant—hismind.CHAPTER3
ThepatientisnolongerconnectedtothePsyNetbyasinglebiofeedbacklink—hermindsurvivedbyanchoringitsentireconsciousnessintothefabricoftheneuralnetwork.Anyattemptatseparationwillleadnotonlytodeath,buttothetotalandcompletedestructionofherpersonality.
—PsyMedreportonSophiaRusso,minor,age8
Sophiahadn’tsleptfortwenty-fourhourswhenshewalkedintotheironicallynamedLibertyPenitentiarythenextmorning,butnoonecould’veguessedthatfromthecrispclarityofhertone,thesmartnessofherdress.Shewastakendirectlytoaninterviewroomuponarrival.Theassistantdistrictattorneyinchargeofthecasearrivedaminutelater.
Fiveminutesafterthat,shebeganthememoryretrieval.UnlikeBonner’s,thisinmate’smindwasfullofnothingbutfortyyearsoflivingandviolence.SomeyoungJsgotlostinthemess,butSophiahadlearnedtofilterverywell.Shewentdirectlytothememoriesofthedayinquestionandtooknomorethantherelevantminutes.
Humanstendedtobesuspiciousoftelepaths,andJsinparticular,afraidthePsywouldstealtheirsecrets.Thetruthwas,Sophiaalreadyhadtoomanypiecesofotherpeople’slivesinherhead.Shedidn’twantanymore—especiallythekindsofmemoriesshewasinvariablyaskedtoretrieve.Inallheryearsofservice,she’dfoundonlyfourinnocents.“Ihaveit,”shesaidtotheA.D.A.
Askingtheprisonerandhisattorneytowait,hewalkedhertothewaitingareaoutsidethewarden’soffice.“Couldyouprojectthememoriestome?”
Nodding,shedidasasked.ThislittletelepathicquirkwaswhatturnedaTpintoaJ.Mosttelepathscouldtransmitwordsand/orisolatedvisuals,butJscouldnotonlyretract,buttransmittheentirememoryinacontinuousstream.ThisA.D.A.washuman,hisshieldsnobarrier.Thatcouldhavebeenahandicapinothercircumstances—however,giventhatthiscasehadnoassociatedcostorbenefittotheCouncil,hewassafefromPsycoercion.
“Thankyou,”hesaidaftershecompletedtheprojection.“Thatdoesputadifferentspinonthings,doesn’tit?”
Shedidn’tanswer,awarehewasn’ttalkingtoher.Andevenifhehadbeen,shewould’vemadenoresponse.Shetriednotto“see”thememoriesanymore.Itwasafutileeffort,butsometimes,shecoulddistanceherselfafraction.
TheA.D.A.releasedabreath.“I’dliketogobackandchatwiththewitnessandhisattorney.Thejet-chopperwillbearrivingtotakeyoubacktothemainlandsoon.”
“Pleasegoahead.”Shesawhimlookingaroundforthewarden.“Thislocationistightlyguarded.I’llbesafeonmyown.”
“Yousure?”Aconcernedlook.
“Ispendalotoftimeinprisons.”
“Iguessyoumustatthat.Alright,you’vegotmysecretary’snumber.Giveherabuzzifthechopperdoesn’tarriveinthenexttenminutes.”
“Iwill.”Noddinggood-byeasheleft,shetookaseat,outwardlycalm.Butthetruthwas,sheshould’venever,everbeenleftalone.Asshe’dtoldtheA.D.A.,itwasn’tbecauseherphysicalpositionputheratrisk.Therewereatleastfourdouble-keyedelectronicsecuritydoors,fullofbarsandsteel,betweenherandthefirstinmate.
Itwasn’tevenbecauseshemightgetscaredsittingaloneinsuchacold,grayplace.
Shehadwitnessedthousandsofmomentsofthemostdepravedviolenceandpain,butsheherselfdidn’tfeelfear.Shedidn’tfeelanything.TheSilenceProtocol,theconditioningthatchilledPsymadnessesasitchilledtheiremotions,ensuredthat.However,inSophia’scase,Silencedidn’tworkaswellasitshould.Andeverybodyknewit.MostPsywouldhavebeensummarilyrehabilitated,butSophiawasaJusticePsy.AndJswererareenoughandnecessaryenoughthattheywereallowedtheirlittle…peculiarities.
Ofcourse,Jswerealsonevertobeleftalonein“suggestive”locations.
Evilishardtodefine,butit’ssittinginthatroom.
ThereminderofMaxShannon’sgrimwordsstayedherhandforasecond.Wouldheconsiderthisevil?Perhaps.Butasherpathwasunlikelytoeveragaincrosswiththatofamanwho’dmadeher,forafleetinginstant,wishtobesomethingbetter,shecouldn’tlethimguideheractions.Becausethoughwhatshewasabouttodowasn’tinanyofficialmanual,likeallJs,sheconsidereditpartofherjobdescription.
Thefirstscreamcamefourminuteslater.Inspiteofitsshrill,piercingnature,nooneheardit.Becausethemanwhowasscreamingwasdoingsosoundlessly,hismindlockedinatelepathicprisonfarmoreinvidiousthantheplascreteandmortaronethatsurroundedhimoneveryside.
Evenashescreamed,hewasmoving,unzippinghispants,pushingthemdowntohisankles,shufflingovertopickupatoolhe’dhiddeninthehollowlegofthedeskhisattorneyhadwonforhim.Theinmatewasalearnedman,hisattorneyhadargued;itconstitutedcruelandunusualpunishmenttoputhiminaplacewherehecouldn’twrite,couldn’tkeephisresearchnotes.Theattorneyhadnevermentionedthetiny,helplessvictimhislearnedclienthadputinadogcagedevoidofthemostbasicofhumannecessities.
However,theamenitieshehadtakensuchgleeinwinningwerethefurthestthingsfromtheinmate’smindatthatmoment.Hishandclenchedonthetoolasheblubberedwithoutvoice,hiswillshreddedlikesomuchpaper.Thenthetooltouchedtheflaccidwhiteofhisbellyandherealizedwhathewasabouttodo.
Blooddrippedontotheflooralmostaminuteafterthat—ittooktimetoachievethatkindofdamagewithnothingbutashiv,aweaponmadeoutofatoothbrushgroundagainstcontrabandrocksuntilitsedgeswereassharpas…well,almostaknife.
Theactofamputationwasexcruciatinglypainful.
Anditwaslongoverbythetimeashort,compactmanwithblackhairfaintlytouchedwithsilverwalkedintothewaitingroom.“I’msorryforthedelay,Ms.Russo.Yourjet-chopperarrivedfiveminutesago,butIwasn’timmediatelyabletospareanescort—severalprisonersdecidedtogetintoaruckusintheyard.”
Sophiastood,briefcaseheldlooselyinherlefthand.“That’squitealright,Warden.”Theothernessinhersettledback,itstaskcomplete.“I’mstillonschedule.”
WardenOdessescortedherthroughthefirstsetofsecuritydoors.“Thisiswhat,yourthirdvisitherethismonth?”
“Yes.”
“Thingsgoingwellonthisnewcase?”
“Yes.”Shepausedasheclearedthemthroughthesecondtolastcheckpoint.“Theprosecutionteamfeelscertainofsuccess.”
“Iguessthey’vegotanaceintheholewithyou.Prettyhardtoargueinnocencewhenyouguyscanpickthememoriesoutoftheaccused’smind.”
“Yes,”Sophiaagreed.“However,insanityordiminishedresponsibilitypleasarequitepopularinsuchcases.”
“Yeah,Iguessso.Youcan’tseeintotheirheads,right?Imean—knowwhattheywerethinkingatthetime?”
“Onlybyreferencetotheiractionsorwords,”Sophiasaid.“Ifthoseactionsorwordscontainanyhintofambiguity,thefieldisthrownwideopen.”
“And,ofcourse,thedefensealwaysarguesthatthingsweren’tastheyappear.”Snorting,thewardensteppedoutintothecrisplightofthelatewinter’sday.Sophiablinkedasshe,too,exited.Thelightseemedtoobrighttoday,toointense,cuttingacrossherretinaslikebrokenglass.
Odesswatchedassheblinked.“Guessit’stimeforyoutogoin.”
Mostpeopledidn’tknowthatJsonlyworkedone-monthrotationsbeforereturningtothenearestbranchoftheCentertohavetheirSilencechecked.ButOdesshadbeenpartoftheprisonsystemforoveradecade.“Howdoyoualwaysknow?”sheasked,havingworkedwithhimsporadicallyoverthosetenyears.
“Thatquestionisyouranswer.”
Shetippedherheadalittletotheside.
“Youbegintoactmorehuman,”hetoldher,hisdarkeyesholdingaconcernshe’dneverunderstood.“Atthestart,whenyou’vejustreturnedfromwhereveritisyougo,yourresponsesareshort,distant.Now…weactuallyhadaconversation.”
“Anastuteobservation,”shesaid,realizingthetiltofherheadforwhatitwas—asignofdisintegration.“Perhapswecanhaveanotherconversationinamonth’stime.”Thatwashowlongitwouldtakefortheconditioningtobegintofragmentagain.
“I’llseeyouthen.”
Sophiawalkedtothewaitingjet-chopperwithaneasy,unhurriedstride.ShewasinManhattanproperbythetimetheydiscoveredtheprisonerbleedinginhiscell.
MaxhadspentthenightgoingovertheBonnercasefiles,ontheslimchancethatthebastardwouldactuallygiveupabodyatsomestage.Intruth,everysingledetailoftheButcher’scrimeswasalreadyengravedonhismemorybanks,nevertobeerased,buthe’dwantedtobeabsolutelycertainofhisrecall.Allthatdeath,thepain,coupledwiththesmugarroganceofthemanwho’dendedsomanylives—ithadn’texactlylefthiminthebestframeofmindforwhathadtobesomekindofaPsyjoke.
“Commander,”hesaid,staringintothearistocraticfaceofthePsywhoranNewYorkEnforcement,“ifIcanspeakbluntly—”
“Yourarelydootherwise,DetectiveShannon.”
Inmosthumansandchangelings,Maxwould’veheardinthatstatementawryhumor.ButCommanderBrechtwasPsy.He’dlookatarapevictimwiththesamedispassionategazeashewouldadrive-by-shooter.
“So,”Maxsaid,pressingtwofingerstothebridgeofhisnose,“you’llunderstandwhereI’mcomingfromwhenIaskyouwhythehellyou’dputmeonthis.ThePsyhateme.”
“Hateisanemotion,”CommanderBrechtsaidfromhisstandingpositionbyanold-fashionedfilingcabinetthathadsomehowsurvivedallattemptsatmodernization.“Youaremoreofaninconvenience.”
Maxfelthislipscurveupinahumorlesssmile.AtleastyoucouldneveraccuseBrechtofnotcuttingtotheheartofthematter.“Exactly.”Hefoldedhisarmsoverthecrispwhiteshirthe’dputoninpreparationforacourtappearance.“WhywouldyouwantaninconveniencerunninganinvestigationintoaPsysituation?”Psywereinsulartothenthdegree.Theykepttheirsecretsevenastheystolethoseofotherswithoutpauseorconscience.ItpissedMaxoff,butallhecoulddowaskeepondoinghisjob.Sometimes,hewoninspiteoftheirinterference—andthatmadeitallworthit.
“Youhaveanaturalmentalshield.”CommanderBrecht’stonewasstraightforward.“Thefactthatyou’reimmunetoPsymentalinterferencemayhavebeenastumblingblockwhenitcomestoyourcareer—”
Maxsnorted.Factwas,withhissolverateandaptitudetests,heshould’vemadelieutenantbynow.Butheknewheneverwould—PsycontrolledEnforcement,andhisabilitytowithstandtheirattemptsatcoercion,torunhiscasesashesawfit,madehimanunacceptableriskinanypositionofpower.
“AsIwassaying,”thecommandercontinued,hishairsolidgiltunderthestreakoflightcominginthroughthetinywindowtohisleft.“WhileitmayhavebeenanobstacleinyourpathtoahigherpositionwithinEnforcement,itisalsoanadvantage.”
“I’mnotgoingtoarguewiththat.”Unlikesomanyhumans,Maxhadneverhadtoworryaboutwhetherhe’dclosedacaseorlookedtheotherwayasaresultofsubtlementalpressure—manyagoodcophadbrokenbecauseofthatsimmeringkernelofdoubt,thatnigglingconcernthathe’dbeenledtoaparticularconclusion.HesaidasmuchtoBrecht.“Iwould’vegoneintoprivateinvestigationifIdidn’thavetheshield—stayingheretogetmind-fuckedwouldn’thavebeenatthetopofmylist.”
Thecommanderwalkedovertohisdesk.“It’sbeneficialforNewYorkEnforcementthatyoudecidedtostay—youhavethebestsolve-rateinthecity.Andyou’realso,asthehumanswouldsay,mulestubborn.”
Maxhadbeencalledarottweileronceinawhile.Hetookitasacompliment.“Stilldoesn’tanswerthequestionofwhyyou’dwantmeonaPsycase.”CommandalwaysassignedthosetoPsydetectives.
Maxdidn’thaveaproblemwiththat—solongasitwasonlyPsywhowereinvolved.Butitangeredthehelloutofhimwhenhumansandchangelingsgotshortchangedbecauseamemberofthecoldpsychicracewaspartoftheequation.“TheBonnersituation—”
“Iscurrentlyatanimpasseaccordingtothereportyouturnedinlastnight.You’regoingtowaithimout,correct?”
Unfoldinghisarms,Maxshovedahandthroughhishair.“Istillneedtobeabletorespondquicklyifhedoesdecidetotalk—Iknowthiscaselikenooneelse.”Andthoughhe’druntheButchertoground,histaskwasn’tyetover—wouldn’tbeoveruntilhe’dbroughteachandeverygirlhome,givingtheirgrievingfamiliesthepeaceofbeingabletoburytheirbabiesinpropergraves.
Tothisday,hecouldfeeltheslightweightofCarissaWhite’smotherasshecollapsedintohisarms—ithadbeenasnowywinter’snightwhenhe’dgonetotheirpristinelittlevilla,avillaCarissahaddecoratedwithtwinklingChristmaslightstwoweeksearlier.Mrs.Whitehadopenedthedoorwithalaugh.Later,she’dgrippedhisjacketandbeggedhimtotellherthatitwasn’ttrue,thatCarissawasstillalive.
Andthenshe’dmadehimpromise.Findhim.Findthemonsterwhodidthis.
He’dfulfilledthatpromise.Buthe’dmadeotherpromisestootherparents.
Nooneshouldhavetospendeternityinthecolddark.
“Thatshouldn’tbeaproblem.”Brecht’swordscrashedthroughtheechoofanotherPsyvoice—throughthememoryofahauntingstatementsoatoddswithherglacialpresencethatMaxhadn’tbeenabletostopthinkingabouther.
“ThecaseIwantyoutoworkishighpriority,butwithroomforflexibilityshouldyouneedtoflybacktoconsultontheBonnercase.”Brechtslidintothechairbehindhisdesk.“Ifyou’dtakeaseat,Detective.”ApausewhenMaxdidn’timmediatelyobey.“YourobsessionwithBonnerendedwiththecaptureofasociopathwhowouldundoubtedlyhavecontinuedtotakelivesifyouhadn’tstoppedhiskillingspree.However,ifyouletthatobsessioncontrolyounow,you’llwindupdeadofstresswhilehegrowsfatbehindbars.”
Maxraisedaneyebrow.“BeentalkingtotheEnforcementshrink?”
“ImaybePsy,butIwasalsoadetective.”
AndbecauseMaxhadseenBrecht’scasefiles,becauseheknewthemanhadbeenonehellofasmartcop,hetookaseat.
“WhatI’mabouttotellyoucan’tleavethisroom,whetherornotyoudecidetoacceptthetask.”Brecht’seyeswereapalecolorbetweengrayandblue,shardsoficeencasedinsteel.“DoIhaveyourwordonthat?”
“Ifit’sanEnforcementmatter,it’sanEnforcementmatter.”Irrespectiveofanythingelse,hestillbelievedinthebadge,inthegoodthattheydid.
Brechtgaveanodofacknowledgment.“Overthepastthreemonths,CouncilorNikitaDuncan—”
ACouncilor?
Yeah,thatgotMax’sattention.CHAPTER4
“—haslostthreeofheradvisorsbythreeverydifferentmethods.Onewasaheartattack,thesecondanautomobileaccident,thethirdanapparentsuicide.”
Max’sgutwenttightascopinstincttookover.“Couldbecoincidence.”
“Doyoubelieveincoincidence,Detective?”
“AboutasmuchasIbelieveinthetoothfairy.”
Thecommandernodded.“CouncilorDuncandoesnotbelieveincoincidences,either.Shewantsyoutofindoutwhoisgoingafterherpeopleandwhy.”
“She’sinSanFrancisco,”Maxsaid,thesameinstincttellinghimthatfarmorewasgoingonbeneaththesurfacethanasimple—andinexplicable—requestforahumancoponaPsycase.ButMaxdidn’tgostraightforthejugular—therewerebetterwaysofgettinginformation.“Copsdowntherearen’tgoingtolikemesteppingontheirtoes.”
“Forthepurposesofthiscase,you’llbemadeaspecialinvestigator,withtheauthoritytoworkacrossstatelines.It’sregularpracticewithdetectiveswhohavethespecializedskillstoworkaparticularsituation.”
Thatmuchwastrue.However,somethingelsewasequallytrue.“I’veheardthePsyhavetheirownversionofapoliceforce.I’dhavethoughtaCouncilor”—especiallyaCouncilorwithallhersecrets—“wouldwantthemtotakecareofit.”
“Normally,yes.”Thecommanderpickedupasmalldatacrystalandplaceditonthedeskbetweenthem,asilentpricktothecuriositythatmadeMaxacopwhoalways,alwaysfoundtheanswers.“However,theArrowSquadisloyaltoanotherCouncilor,andifthatCouncilorisbehindtheseattacks,thenCouncilorDuncanwillnotgetthetruth.Herownpeoplehaveproveddeficientintheskillsnecessarytotakecareofthetask.”
MaxthoughtoverwhatheknewofNikitaDuncan.Shewasanastutebusinesswoman,onewhomademoneyhandoverfist—butunlikeCouncilorsMingLeBonandKalebKrychek,he’dneverheardhernamelinkedwithamilitaryoperation,soitmightbealegitimatefactthatshe’dfoundagapinherresourcesoncesheeliminatedthisArrowSquadfromthemix.
“Alright,”hesaid,eyesnarrowed.“Butmentalshieldaside,there’sgottobesomeotherreasontheCounciloraskedforme.Whatskillsmakemesospecial?”Hewasdamngoodatwhathedid,buttherewereexcellentcopsinSanFrancisco.
“Don’tdisregardyourshieldsoeasily,”thecommanderresponded.“It’soneofthestrongestwe’veeverencounteredinahuman.”AnimpliedconfirmationthatPsyhadtriedtobreakthroughitanynumberoftimes.“However,you’recorrect.Thereissomethingelse—youhavefriendsintheDarkRiverleopardpack.CouncilorDuncanseemstobelievethatthatfriendshipwillmakeiteasierforyoutoruntheinvestigationinhercity.”
IcecrawledinaslowspreadthroughMax’sveins.ClayBennett,thechangelingmaleMaxknewbest,wasonecoolcustomer.Maxwouldn’tputitpasttheleopardpacktowhittledowntheirenemypiecebypiece—theywerepredatorsafterall.But—“Isn’tCouncilorDuncan’sdaughtermatedtoLucasHunter,thealphaofDarkRiver?”SaschaDuncan’sdefectionfromthePsyworldhadmadenewsacrossthecountry.
“Yes,buttheynolongerhaveanykindofapersonalrelationship.”
Maxnoddedtoshowhe’dheard,butthefactofSascha’sexistence,herrelationshipwithLucas,puthismindatease.Becausewhiletheymightbepredators,thecatswerealsobigonfamily.Hecouldn’tseethemcullingNikita’speopleonthesly.“IfIdothis,”hesaid,knowinghecouldn’tletitgonow,hiscuriosityasteelblueflameinsidehim,“I’mgoingtoneedfullaccess.IfDuncanhasherpeopleblockingmeateveryturn,it’sgoingtobeimpossibleformetodomyjob.”
“CouncilorDuncanunderstandsthat.”BrechtpickedupthedatacrystalandmoveditinfrontofMax.“Thishasthebasicbackgroundinformation.However,asyoucanimagine,thereareareasofconsiderablesensitivity.That’swhyyou’llbeworkingwithaPsypartnerwho’llhelpyouinrelationtothepeculiarlyPsyaspectsoftheinvestigation,andwhowillbetaskedwithfilteringcertaindata.”
Maxhadknownhe’dneedaPsyadvisor,butthesecondpartofBrecht’sstatementmadehishandclenchonthecrystal.“Howthefuckishegoingtorealizewhat’srelevantandwhat’snot?”
“She,”thecommandersaid,“istoworkintimatelywithyou.”
“Makesnodifferencetothequestion—whatqualificationsdoesthis‘partner’ofminehavetomakethosedecisions?”Maxwasn’tjustusedtoworkingalone,helikeditthatway.
“She’saJ,”thecommandersaid.“Hasbeenoperativesinceshewassixteen.She’snowtwenty-eight.”
Anticipationlickedalonghisspine.“What’shername?”
“SophiaRusso.”
Hismindreactedimmediately—animageofhauntingeyesinafacemarkedbyviolence,avoicethatsaidthingsitshouldn’t,abodythatmadehisownitchtothawoutallthatice.Itwasthen,asheconsideredifthelatterwasevenpossible,thathewashitbytheimportofBrecht’swords.“Twelveyearsofactiveservice?MostJsdon’tlastthatlong.”
He’dworkedwithatleasttwentyoverhiselevenyearsinEnforcement.Eachhadretiredbeforetheageofthirty,and,herealized,he’dneverseenanyofthemagain.Ithadn’tstruckhimasoddbefore,becausePsyweren’texactlythetypetosendChristmascards,butthefactthatnotone,notone,hadendedupworkinginanotherareaofJustice—eithertheyhadonehellofaretirementplanor…Giventhecold-bloodedwaytheCounciltreateditsownpeople,thepossibilitieswerechilling.AndSophiaRussohadbeenaJfortwelveyears.Shehadtobereaching“retirement”age.
Whenthecommanderspoke,hedidn’taddressMax’simpliedquestion,didn’ttellhimwhathappenedtoJswhoreachedtheendoftheirworkinglives.“Ms.Russohasconsiderableexperienceininteractingwithhumans—youshouldfindherasatisfactorypartner.”Apause.“Detective,Ineedananswertoday.”
Maxplayedthedatacrystaloverhisfingers.Hestillwasn’tsurewhatthehellhewasdoingconsideringworkingforthePsy,ortherealreasonwhyNikitahadaskedforhim,butifyoustrippedawayallthebullshit,onethingremainedunchanged—hewasacop.AndNikitaDuncanwasacitizen.“I’lldoit.”
SophiasatacrossfromtheM-PsyinchargeofherevaluationatthePittsburghbranchoftheCenter,herhandsplacedonthetable,hereyescalm.
“There’sbeen,”theM-Psysaid,“areportofanincidentatLibertyPenitentiary.”
Shedidn’tfallforthattrick,didn’trespond.Becausehehadn’taskedaquestion.
“Didyouhaveanythingtodowiththatincident?”
“Whatwastheincident?”
TheM-Psylookeddownathisnotes.“Apedophilemutilatedhimself.”
Itwaseasytokeepherfaceexpressionless—she’dbeenpracticingsinceshewaseightyearsoldandabouttobeeuthanized.“Washehuman?”
“Yes.”
“Perhapshefeltremorse,”shesuggested,knowingthecreatureinthatcellhadfeltpityonlyforhimself,forthefactthathe’dbeencaughtandlockedup.“Humanshaveemotionsafterall.”
“There’snoindicationhefeltremorse.”
Atleastthemanhadn’tmanagedtofooltheprisonpsychiatrists.“Ishespeaking?”
TheM-Psyshookhishead.“Notcoherently.”
“Thenit’simpossibletoknowifhefeltremorse,”sherespondedwithtotalequanimity.Perhapssheshould’vefeltguilt,butofcourse,shewasSilent.Shefeltnothing.Butsheknewwhatthatprisonerhaddone,kneweverytinydetailofthehorrorhe’dimprintedonayoung,unformedpsyche.Sophiahadburiedthememoriesevenassheextractedthemfromthechild’smind,leavinghimwithaweek-longblankinhispastthatwouldonlyunlockwhenhewasoldenoughandstrongenoughtobearit.
Itwasunfortunatethatthetrickdidn’tworkonchildrenwhowerebornwiththeJfacility.Ifithad,perhapsshewouldhavehadadifferentlife…Perhaps.
TheM-Psytappedsomethingonhisdatapad.“Thisisthethirdsuchincidentinthepastyearwhereyou’vebeenincloseproximity.”
“Ineedtobeinprisonsoften,”Sophiareplied,thoughhermindwasinanotherroominawell-appointedcabintwodecadesinthepast.“Mychancesofbeingnearanincidentarehigherthanthatofanordinaryindividual.”
“TheJ-PsyManagementBoardhasdeterminedthatyouneedtogoinforreconditioning”—theM-Psyturnedhisdatapadsoshecouldseetheauthorization—“especiallygivenyourrecentcontactwithGerardBonner.”
“Ihavenodisagreementwiththat.”They’dpokeandprodatherduringthereconditioningprocess,butSophiaknewwhatthey’dfind.Nothing.CompleteorpartialmemoryerasuremightnotworkonJs,butawomanwhomadeherlivingretrievingthememoriesofothersgotverygoodatcloudingherownwhennecessary.“Woulditbepossibletoscheduleittoday?Ineedtoappearasanexpertwitnessinacasefirstthingtomorrowmorning.”
Totalreconditioning—knownasrehabilitation—effectivelyturnedtheindividualintoavegetable.ButthebasicreconditioningthatSophiahadgonethroughanynumberoftimestookabarefewhourstocomplete.Addafullnight’ssleepandshe’dbefunctioningatpeakefficiencyagainwhenthesunrose.
TheM-Psycheckedhisschedule.“Wecanslotyouinatsixtonight.”
And,Sophiathought,she’dloseseveralhourstoasemi-consciousstate—whentimewasrunningoutforherataninexorablepace.Butallshesaidwas,“Excellent.”
“Thereisanothermatter.”
Sophialookedupatthecomment.“Yes?”
“TheManagementBoardhasreassignedyou.”TheM-PsysentanelectronicfilethroughtoSophia’sorganizer.“You’vebeenselectedtoworkdirectlyforCouncilorNikitaDuncanasaspecialadvisor.”
Thefirststep,Sophiathought,havingexpectedthetransferonsomelevel.Jswhobegantoshowtoomanycrackswerephasedoutstep-by-step.Bythetimetheydisappeared,nobodyrememberedthey’donceknownaJusticePsybythatname.NobodyrealizedtheJhadsimplyvanished,nevertobeseenagain.“Myduties?”
“CouncilorDuncanwillbriefyou—youhaveanappointmentwithheratonetomorrow.Giventhetimeofyourcourtappearance,youshouldhavenodifficultymakingyourflight.”TheM-Psystood.Paused.“Ihaven’tbeenauthorizedtoinformyouofthis,butyoushouldhavetimetoputyouraffairsinorder.”
Sophiawaited.Thewordswereunusual,couldwellbeanothertrap.
Butwhenhespoke,hegavehertheanswertoaquestionthathadbeencirclinginhermindformonthsnow.“Thisreconditioningwillbeyourlast—yourtelepathicshieldsaretooseverelydegradedtoallowforafurtherreset.”Coolgreeneyesmethers.“Doyouunderstand?”
“Yes.”ThenexttimeshewalkedintoaCenter,onlyashambling,empty-eyedshellwouldwalkbackout.CHAPTER5
Thechildhasbeendamagedonafundamentallevel.Anyattempttosaveherwillrequiretheallocationofconsiderabletimeandresourceswithnoguaranteeofaproductivereturn.
—PsyMedreportonSophiaRusso,minor,age8
Justovertwenty-fourhoursafterhisconversationwithCommanderBrecht,MaxexitedhisgateatSanFrancisco’sdomesticterminalwithasinglesuitcaseandoneverypissed-offcatinanindustrial-strengthcarrier.AcatwhoseyowlingwasstartingtomakepeoplelookatMaxwiththenarrow-eyedstarereservedforthosewhobeattheirdogsandrantheirhorsestoexhaustion.
“Max!”
Lookingup,hesawafamiliartawny-hairedfigure.Puttingthesuitcaseandcarrierdown,hepickedTalinupinhisarmsandgaveherakissonthelips.“Damn,youlookgood,Tally.”Herfaceglowedwithhealth,herfrecklesgoldenagainstskinthathadmanagedtoretaintheburnishedhueofsummereveninthecrispchillofJanuary.
Agrowlemergedfromthegreen-eyedmanonTally’sright,hisgazevividagainstrich,darkskin.“Once,I’llallow.Kissheragainandallyou’llbekissingistheasphalt.”
Grinning,MaxputalaughingTalinonherfeetandheldouthishand.“Nicetoseeyou,too.”
Clayshookit.“Hello,Cop.”HiseyeswenttoMax’sfeet.
AndMaxrealizedMorpheushadgoneutterlysilenttheinstanttheynearedthecouple.Glancingdown,Maxsawtheblack-hairedballofindignantfurstaringatClay.“Ithinkhe’stryingtofigureoutwhatthehellkindofcatyouare.”
Talinbent,wenttoreachthroughthebarsasiftopetthecat.
“Don’t,”Maxwarned,onehandonhershoulder.“Hebites.”
“HebitesTally,”Claysaid,lookingatthecatwitheyesthatwerenolongerhuman,“I’llshowhimmyteeth.”
“Shh,now,”Talinsaid,strokingMorpheusgentlyontheforehead.“He’sjustmadaboutbeingcoopedup,aren’tyou,gorgeous?”LookingupatMax,shemock-whispered,“Claygetssnarlyonflights,too.”
“Watchit,”Claysaid,butthecurveofhislipsmadeMaxgrin.Manwaswellandtrulyagoner.
“I’mgladyoubroughthim,”Talinsaid,risingtoherfeet.“He’dhavemissedyou.”
“Nah—he’dhavefoundanothersuckertofeedhim,”Maxsaid,knowingtheformeralleycathadthesurvivalinstinctsofaratonasinkingship.“ButsinceI’mnotsurehowlongthis’lltake,IfiguredMorpheusmightaswellcomeandseetheworldwithme.”NoddingthanksatClayasthechangelingmalegrabbedhissuitcase,Maxtookthecarrier.“Iappreciatethepickup.”
“Ivotedtoleaveyoustranded,”Claymuttered.
TalinlinkedherarmwithMax’s.“Don’tmindhim.Secretly,helovesyou.”
“Verysecretly.”Max’sheartwenttightinagoodwayatseeingTalinsohappy.They’dbecomecloseduringtheinvestigationintoseveralmissingkidsawhileback,buthe’dknownheronandoffforyears,theirbeatscollidinginNewYork.She’dworkedwithtroubledkids—andEnforcementwasalwayspickingupthosekids.
Butitwasn’tjustthat.HeandTalinhadaconnection,onethey’dneverreallyarticulatedbutwhichwassimplyunderstood.They’dbothbeenchildrencaughtinthefoster-caresystem,understoodthescarsthatcouldleave.Itwasn’tthekindofthingyoucouldreallyexplaintoanyonewhohadn’tlivedthroughit.
ButClaygotit.Maxdidn’tknowthebigman’shistory,buttheconnectionMaxsharedwithTalinwasslowlybeingformedwithhermateaswell.Maxhadtakenthemtodinnerthelasttimethey’dcomeuptoManhattan,hadendedupgettingwellandtrulydrunkwiththeleopard.Talinhadherdedthemhomefromthebar,promisingtotearthehidesoffthemtheentiretime,butshe’dtuckedthembothinthatnight—pushingMaxdownontotheirhotelcouchandtellinghimtostayput.
Grinningatthememoryofthepulsatingrockmusicshe’dplayedthenextmorningaspunishment,helookeddownatthewildmaneofherhair.“Didyoucheckouttheapartment?”He’de-mailedthemthedetailsoftheplacewherehe’dbeenputupfortheduration.
“It’snearFisherman’sWharf,”Talinsaid,“notthatfarfromtheDuncanbuilding.Nicearea—closetotheshops.”
ClayglancedupashestowedMax’sbaginthetrunkofthecar.“Yousureyoudon’twanttotelluswhatyou’redoingforSascha’smother?”Hiseyeswerehumanagain—andfullofakeenintelligence,asbefittedoneofDark-River’stopmen.
“Sorry,can’tsayanything.Notyet.”MaxputMorpheusinthebackseat.“ImightbeabletosharemoreonceIknowwhat’sgoingon.”Gettingintotheseatbesidethestillsilentcat,hestrappedupandwaitedforClayandTalintogetin.Except…“Whatthe—”Reachingbeneathhisthigh,hefoundhimselfholdingsomesortofaweirdpink-haireddollwithjointsinimpossibleplaces.
“That’saMetamorph,”Talintoldhim,turningtolookoverhershoulder.“Theychangeintoanimals.”
“Huh.”Heplayedwiththelittletoy,managedtofigureoutthemechanism,andvoila,hehadanimprobablypinkwolfonhishands.“Likeachangeling.”
“Yep.ClaykeepsbuyingthemforNooreventhoughshealreadyhasatleastadozen.”Talinwastwiningherfingerswithhermate’sfreehandevenassheteasedhim.“Onelookfromthosebigbrowneyesandhefolds.”
Clayliftedupherhandandpressedakisstoherknuckles.“Youdon’tcomplainwhenImeltforyourbiggrayeyes.”
“Clay”Blushing,Talinnonethelessblewhermateakiss.
Relaxedbythebyplay,Maxleanedbackinhisseat—aftercheckingtoensureastillsilentMorpheuswasokay—andthoughtaboutthee-mailhe’dreceivedwhilewaitingtoboardtheairjet.Ithadcomeviathecommander’soffice.
SophiaRussowillmeetyouinSanFrancisco.
Anticipationthrummedthroughhim—hisbodydidn’tseemtowanttoacceptthefactthatthewomanwasmorelikelytofreezehisballsoffinthenightthanconsenttotanglewithhiminthemale/femalesense.
ButMaxhadstoppedbeingruledbyhishormonesaroundtheageofsixteen,nomatterthatthisJwithhernight-violeteyesfullofsecretstuggedathiminthemostvisceralofways.Usingthetimehehadbeforehisflightboarded,he’dmadeafewphonecalls,includingonetoBartReubentogetanupdateonBonner.Theprosecutorhadhadnothingnewtoreportonthatfront,butwhenMaxmentionedhewasgoingtobeworkingwithSophia,he’dsaid,“Igotcuriousabouther,didsomedigging.”
Maxhadbeenstartledbyasudden—andforceful—surgeofpossessiveness.“Why?”
“Thosegloves,”Barthadreplied.“IrealizedI’dseenthembefore,onaJIworkedwithalongtimeago.Iknowtheymeansomething,butIhaven’tfiguredoutwhatyet.However,Ididfindoutsomethingelseveryinteresting.”
FightingoffhisunexpectedlystrongresponsetotheideaofBartinvestigatingSophia,Maxhadforcedhistonetolighten.“Yougoingtomakemebeatitoutofyou?”
“No,abottleofsinglemaltwhiskeywilldo.”He’dbeenabletohearthelaughinhisfriend’svoice.“Seemslikeoverthepastyear,ourMs.Russohasdevelopedacuriouslittlehabitofbeingincloseproximitytosomeverynastypeoplewhodecidedtomutilatethemselvesincreativeways.”
“That’snotsurprising,givenhowlongshe’sbeenaJ.”Acopwouldhavetobewillfullyblindtomissthatoccasionallyhomicidal“quirk”ofJpsychology.Itwasalwaysimpossibletoproveanything,ofcourse,evenifacopfeltsoinclinedgiventhenatureoftheindividualstheJsinvariablytargeted,buttheCorpspoliceditselfveryeffectively—itwasn’tgoodfortheirimagetohavetheirpeoplestartgoingnutsinpublic.
Evenasthethoughtpassedthroughhishead,MaxhadfoundhimselfdisturbedbytheideathatSophiaRussomightbegoingslowlyinsane.“Whyhasn’tshebeenyankedfromactiveduty?”Ithadcomeoutharsherthanitshouldhave.
Bart,thankfully,hadn’tnoticed.“She’svery,verygoodatherjob,”he’dreplied.“Butshe’sreachingheruse-by-date.Oneofthesedays,she’sgoingtodisappearjustlikeeveryotherJI’veworkedwithovertheyears.”
Now,asthecarenteredthehillystreetsofSanFranciscoproper,MaxthoughtofthelastwordsSophiahadspokentohim,andhefeltalowburnofangerinhisgutattheideaofherhavinga“use-by-date.”
Sophiatookaseatacrossfromtheexotic-lookingwomanwhomightwellsigntheorderforherrehabilitationonceshewasdeemedobsolete.Itshouldhaveconcernedher,ifonlyonanintellectuallevel,butSophiawasn’taffectedbymuchatpresent.
Sosoonafterareconditioning,withhermindpiercinginitsclarity,thefactswereundeniable:hershieldsagainstthePsyNetwererocksolid—forthesimplereasonthatallJsweredrilledremorselesslyuntiltheymasteredthatskill—buttheshieldsthatprotectedheronaday-to-daybasis,hertelepathicprotections,werepaper-thin.Anynumberofoccurrencescouldinciteadevastatingmentalwave.
Resultscouldrangefromshockandpsychicdisintegrationtodeath.
CouncilorNikitaDuncanraisedherheadfromthefileonherdeskasSophiawasthinkingshe’dpreferasuddenandtotaldeathoverapsychiccollapse.Farbetterthatitallendinasudden,brightburstofagony,thantofindherselfweakenedandatthemercyofthosewhohadnone.She’dbeenhelplessonceinherlife—neveragainwouldsheallowherselftobeinthatposition.
“Ms.Russo”—CouncilorDuncan’svoicewasprecise—“Ibelieveyouhadacourtappearancethismorning?”
“Itwasatnine,”Sophiasaidwithoutpause.“Iwasfinishedandonmywayherebytenthirty.”
“Soyou’vehadachancetoreadthefileIe-mailedtoyou?”
“Yes,Iwentthroughitontheairjet.”Whatshedidn’taddwasthatshe’dspentthemajorityofthetimelookingatthesmalldigitalimageofthemanshe’dbeworkingwith,amanshe’dneverexpectedtoseeagaininthecourseofwhatremainedofherlifetime.
Thephotohadbeentakenearlierthisyear,andthere’dbeensomethinginitthatsaidhe’dbeenlaughingjustbeforethephotographerpressedtheshutter,thoseuptiltedeyeslitfromwithin.She’dfoundherselffascinatedbythedifferencebetweenthatimageandthegrim-facedmanshe’dmetoutsidetheinterrogationroominWyoming.
“Doyouhaveanyquestions?”Nikitaasked.
“Notatthisstage—theassignmentappearsstraightforward.”Otherthanthefactthatshe’dbeenpairedwithahumanwhomadeherthinkthoughtsthatweren’tonlyimpossible,butsooutrageouslyimpossiblethatshewonderedifshewasalreadywalkingthecrackedandtwistedroadtoirrevocableinsanity.
Nikita’seyesturnedintopiecesofjet,hard,cutting.“Beforewecontinue,Iwanttomakeonethingexplicit—Idon’twantany‘incidents’whileyou’reinmyemploy.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’rereferringto,Councilor.”Sophiakeptherfaceexpressionless—itwasafiction,butitwasafictionthatwouldkeepheralivealittlelonger.LongenoughtospeaktoMaxShannonagain,tofindoutwhatitwasabouthimthatmadethelastforgottensliversofhersoul,herpersonality,shimmerwithunexpectedfragmentsoflight.Atthesametime,theothernesswhisperedthathewassmart,thathe’ddiscovereverythingaboutherandturnawayonceheknew.Itwouldhurt.Andthebrokengirlinsideofher,thesecrethiddenbeyondSilence,wastired,sotiredofhurting.
“I’vesaidwhatIhavetosay,”Nikitasaidafterasmallpause.“Breaktherulesandyou’llpaytheprice.”
SophiaknewenoughofNikitatounderstandthatthatwasnoidlethreat.TheCouncilorwasrumoredtobeaviraltransmitter,abletoinfectmindswiththemostfatal—andifshechose,viciouslypainful—ofpsychicweapons.“Understood.”Risingtoherfeet,shepickedupherorganizer.“Idohaveonequestionthatdoesn’trelatedirectlytothecase.”
Nikitawaited.
“Accordingtomyimmediatesupervisor,youspecificallyrequestedme.”Sophiahadn’tbeenawarethatNikitaevenknewhername.“Wasthereareasonforthat?”
“ItmademoresensetouseyouthantotakeafullyfunctioningJoutofthesystem.”Cool,pragmaticwords.
Exceptforonething.
SophiaknewNikitawaslying.
Max’smindhadcircledbacktoBonnerbythetimetheyarrivedattheapartment—havingstoppedtopickupafewsuppliesontheway.Forcinghimselfoffthetopic,ifonlytodenythebastardthesatisfactionofknowinghe’donceagaingoteveryonedancingtohistune,helookedaroundtheapartmentwhileTalinplayedwithaMorpheuswhowasstillmiffedathisrecentimprisonment.ButjudicioususeofcattreatsandTalin’sstrokinghandsseemedtobebringingthesulkingbeastoutofit.
“NicerplacethanIexpected,”hesaidtoClay.Bigbedroom,livingarea,kitchen,andbath.Andhehadwindows.“Guessbeingaspecialinvestigatorpaysmorethanbeingadetective.”
ClaywalkedtojoinMaxatthewindownearthediningalcove.“Goodviewfromhere.We’vehadalotofheavyfoginthemornings,butitmakesforsomespectacularsun-rises.”
“Yeah.”Loweringhisvoice,Maxasked,“How’sJon?”Theteenagerhadbeenkidnapped,heldinaPsylab,andtorturedbeforebeingrescued.LastMaxhadheard,hewasgivingTalinandClayfitswithhistricks.
Claygrinned.“Stillasmartassteenager.”
“So,normal?”
“Yeah.He’sgotacrushononeoftheyoungdominantfemales—poorcub.Hedoesn’trealizehowniceshe’sbeingtohimbynotkickinghisass.”
Maxgrinned,reliefacrushingwaveinsidehim.“Ibetshethinkshe’sadorable.”
Claysnorted.“Ithinkit’smoreacaseof‘awdamn,he’sababy,Ican’thurthim.’”
“Ouch.”Maxwinced,feelingforthekid.“That’sgottobite.”
“Uh-huh.”AveryfelinelookappearedonClay’sface.“But,youknow,he’sdeterminedashell.Afewyearsdownthetrackandwhoknows.”
“Max?”
GlancingaroundatTalin’svoice,hesawMorpheuspurringinherlap.UngratefulalleycatneverpurredforMax.Allhegotwassniffsandsnarls.“Yeah?”
“Doyouwantmetotakehimhomewithus?”Worrymarkedherexpressivefeatures.“Hedoesn’tlooklikeaninsidecat.”
MaxscowledonMorpheus’sbehalf.“Damnrighthe’snot.He’llfindawayoutofherewithintheday.”Andprobablycomehomewithafewnewscarstoaddtohisalreadyprodigiouscollection.
Talinscratchedthetraitorouscatbehindhisears.Morpheus’seyesallbutrolledintothebackofhishead.“Well,”shesaid,soundingdubiousofMax’sclaim,“ifhestartstopineforsomegreenery,youknowwhereIlive.”
“Morpheus’sfavoritehobbyinvolvesgarbagecans—Ithinkhe’dhaveananeurysminaforest,”Maxmuttered.“Ishereallypurring?”
“Ofcourseheis.Iknowhowtotreatcats.”Asultryglanceaimedsolelyathermate.
Maxrockedbackonhisheels,feelinglikeavoyeurand—ifhewashonest—alittlebitenviousaswell.He’dgivehisrightarmtobelovedlikethat…tolovelikethat.Butfactwas,hewasn’tcapableofthatdepthofvulnerability,andhewashonestenoughtoknowit,tonevermakepromiseshecouldn’tkeep.
Onewomanhadkissedhimonthecheekastheypartedandsaid,“Youthrewawaythekeytoyourheartalongtimeago,didn’tyou,Max?”
He’dsmiledthatnight,becauseshewasawomanherespected,awomanwhoremainedagoodfriend,butafterward,he’dwondered—hadhethrownitawayorhadthelockbecomepermanentlywarped,incapableofopening?
Thediscreetchimeofthedoorbellsilveredintotheair,intohisthoughts.“I’llgetit.”Walkingacross,heopenedthedoor.
Andknewhe’dbeenwaitingforhersincethesecondhesetfootinthiscityoffogbesideasparklingbay.CHAPTER6
Anyskin-to-skincontactwithahumanorchangeling,evenaPsywithinadequateshields,maydestroywhatremainsofyourtelepathicprotections.Avoidallphysicalcontact.
—AdvisorylettertoSophiaRussofromtheJCorpsMedicalDivision
SophiawasunpreparedforthevisualimpactofMaxShannon,nomatterthatshe’dmethimpreviously.Hewasthekindofmansomewomenwouldwanttoown,shethought,havingrunacrosssuchfemalesinthecourseofhercareerseveraltimes.Theywouldseehimasatrophy,aprizetoshowoff—neverrealizingthattheywereattemptingtoleashaviciousstorm.
ThoughMaxwasbeautiful,whatsavedhimfromcrossingthelineintoamoredelicateprettinesswastheobduratehardnessofhisjawline,theunflinchinglyadultexpressioninhisgaze.ThoseeyessaidthatMaxShannonhadlookedintothevoid—andcomeawaywithapieceofitinhissoul.
Thenhespoke,drawingherattentiontothosewell-shapedlips.“Sophia.”He’dbracedonehandonthedoorjamb,didn’tpullitdowntooffertoher.
Sheappreciatedthegesture—manyhumanstookitasaninsultwhensherefusedtoshaketheirhands,neverrealizingthatthecommoncourtesycouldcosthereverything.“IthoughtIshouldletyouknowI’darrived.I’vebeenplacedintheapartmentnextdoor.”
Maxglancedtohisright.“That’llmakethingseasier.”Easywords,buthistonesaidsomethingelse.
“Iwon’tbespyingonyou,Mr.Shannon.”Somethinglongdormantinherstirredatthechallengeshereadinhim.“Tobequitefrank,yourpersonalactivitiesholdnointerestforeithermeorCouncilorDuncan.”Notquitethetruth.NikitamightnotcareaboutMaxShannon’spersonallife,butSophiafoundherselfcompelledtoknowthemanbehindtheenigmaticmaskofanEnforcementdetective.
TheedgeofasmiletouchedMax’slips,butitwashiseyesthatmattered.Theyneverlostthatblade-sharpgleamthattoldherhewascalculatinghereverymove,hereveryact.“Youjustwantmeformydetectingskills,isthatit?”
Shedidn’tknowhowtorespondtothepatentlynonseriousquestion—she’dbeendealingwithhumansherentireadultlife,butshe’dneverdealtwithsomeonewhoevokedthisodd…fascinationinher.Ithadbegunwiththewayhelookedatherbutwasnowawhollyindependentthing.Andthefactthatitwasalreadysostrongsosoonafterareconditioning,meantshehadfarlesstimethanshe’dpreviouslybelievedbeforehertelepathicshieldsshearedforever.
SomeonespokebehindMaxatthatmoment,andheturned,droppinghisarmfromthedoorjamb.ThatwaswhenSophiasawthetwootherindividualsintheroom.Ahumanfemaleandamalewhowasclearlynothuman.Shetookastepbackandtoherleftasthecoupleexitedtostandtoherright.
“Clay,Talin,thisismy…partner”—apausesheknewhadbeenintentional—“SophiaRusso.”
Themangaveanod,whilethewomansmiled.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Sophianoddedinresponse,wonderinghowthisTalincouldstandwithsuchcalmbesidethemalewhowasunquestionablyapredator.AndsincethiswasSanFranciscotherewereonlytwopossibleconclusions—onlyoneonceyoufactoredinthewaythegreen-eyedmanhadmoved,withafluidityatoddswiththemuscularsizeofhim.“You’remembersofDarkRiver?”
“Youmustbenewtothecity,”Talinsaid,tuckingbackherhairtorevealanearadornedwithadanglingearringmadeofirregularglassbeadsinthecolorsofautumn.“MostpeoplerecognizeClay.”
“I’vebeentoSanFranciscobefore,”Sophiareplied,intriguedbytheoddshapesofthebeads,thewaythey’dbeenputtogether.Therewasnoconformity,noperfection.“However,IdealalmostexclusivelywithhumansandPsy.”Changelingshadauthorityoverallcrimesthatinvolvedjustthoseoftheirrace.
“Sophia’saJ,”Maxsaid,leaningoneshoulderagainstthedoorjamb.
Shenotedthecordedforearmsrevealedbytherolled-upsleevesofhisvividblueshirt,noted,too,theeasygracewithwhichhemadeeventhesmallestofmovements—thisman,shethought,wasbuiltalongthesleeklinesofthelow-slungcarspreferredbysomanyoftheemotionalraces.
Hergazeclashedwithhisatthatmoment,andthequestioninthemmadeherawaretheywereallwaitingforsomethingfromher.Breakingthecontact—whichfeltoddly,inexplicablyintimate—shetookasteptoherleft.“I’llleaveyoutoyourvisit.DetectiveShannon,ifyou’djustletmeknowwhenyou’rereadytostart—”
“Wecanstartnow,”heinterrupted,stillinthatlazypositionagainstthedoorjamb.Ifshehadn’tseenhiminWyoming,shemighthavebeenfooledintobelievinghim“safe.”Butshehadseenhiminthatprison.Notonlythat,she’dreadthefilethatchronicledhisstubborn,relentlesspursuitoftheButcherofParkAvenue.Sheknewthedangerthatlaybeneaththelanguidcharm.
“We’llleaveyoutoit,then.”ThewomannamedTalinsteppedforwardtokissMaxonthecheek,breakingSophia’slineofsight.“ButIwashopingyou’dhavedinnerwithus,”shesaid,turningtoincludeSophiaintheinvitation.
MaxglancedathiswatchevenasSophiacurledthefingersofherlefthandintoherpalm.WhatTalinhadjustdone,thateasycontact…ithadbeenordinary.Human.AndithadmadeSophiabrutallyawareofthegulfbetweenherandthiscopwhosepresence,whosewatchfuleyes,fannedthefiresofrebellioninher
“It’salmostthreenow,”Maxsaid,hisvoicelowandsmooth—anddisturbinglyabrasiveagainstSophia’sskin,“sohowaboutdinneraroundseven?Weshouldbereadyforabreakbythenanyway.”AglanceupatSophiafromthoseeyesthatsawfartoomuch.“Thatworkforyou?”
Shedidn’tknowwhyshesaid,“Yes,that’llbefine,”whensheshouldhavedemurredfromthesocialinvitation.AsherresponsetoMaxdemonstratedwithmanifestclarity,she’dfailedinherattemptstobethemostperfectofPsy.Butshewasinnowaysimilartoahuman.Shewas,inallprobability,evenless“human”thanmostofherbrethren,herpsychehavingbeenwornawaybythecorrosiveacidoftheimagesstoredinherbrain.
Claysaidgood-byethen,hisvoicedeepagainstTalin’ssoftertone.Asthecoupleleft,theleopardmale’shandonhismate’slowerback,SophiafoundherselfthesolefocusofMax’sperceptivenear-blackeyes,theeyesofamanwhowasusedtostrippingshields,unearthingthemostdeeplyburiedoftruths.“Comeonin,”hesaid,“unlessyouneedtograbanythingfromyourplace?Weshouldgooverthedetails,makesurewe’reonthesamepage.”
“Yes,I’llretrievemyorganizer.”Thewordscameoutcalm,thoughherheartbeathadturnederratic.“It’lltakemeonlyaminuteortwo.”Steppingtoherdoor,shepushedthroughandpickedupthesmallcaseshe’dleftonthecoffeetable.Sheshould’vewalkedstraightbackout,butshetookaminutetobreathe,tocheckherPsyNetshieldsforanyminorfracturesthatmightbetraytheswiftnesswithwhichherrecentreconditioninghadbeguntodegrade.
Satisfiedthateverythingwasholdingfornowandcertain,too,thathersecretsweresafefromacopwhosawtoomuch,shewenttoMax’s.Hislivingareawasempty.Assuminghe’dgonetoretrievehisownnotes,sheclosedthedoorandtookaseatatthesmalltableinthediningalcovenearthewindow.
She’djustopenedhercasewhenahugeblackcatjumpedontothechairopposite,placeditsfrontpawsonthetable,andlookedatherwithonegrayandonebrowneye.Physicallystartled,shenonethelesscontainedherreaction—thataspectofherconditioningwassomuchapartofher,itnolongertookmuchefforttomaintain.
Thecatcontinuedtostareather.
Curiousastowhatthecreaturewoulddoiftouched,sheextendedahandandbroughtherfingerstoitsnose.Itsniffedattheleather-synthofherglovebeforeproceedingtostareatheragain.
“IgnoreMorpheus.”Maxwalkedbackintotheroomandpickedupthecattodrophimeasilytothefloor.Thefelinepaddedoff,tailintheair.“Helikestostarepeopleout.”
“Isee.”ShefoundherselffollowingMax’smovementsasheputsomecatfoodandwaterintoasplitfeedingdish.He’dchangedintojeansandablackT-shirtthatbaredhisarms,thecoloranausterecontrasttothegoldenwarmthofhisskintone.“HaveyouhadanyfurthercontactfromBonner?”
Sleekblackhairfellacrosshisforeheadasheshookhisheadandrose.“No.”Asingleharshword.“Bastard’sprobablywaitingforustocrawlbacktohim.”
“He’llwaitalongtime.”
Tohersurprisehesaid,“IfIthoughthe’dtellusthelocationsofthebodiesifIcrawled,I’ddoitwithouthesitation.”
Theansweraddedanotherlayerofcomplexitytohispersonality,madethefascinationinsidehergrow.“Mostmales,especiallythosedrawntoacareerinEnforcement,wouldconsiderthataninsulttotheirpride.”
“Prideismeaninglessifyoucan’tkeepyourpromises.”Washinghishandsaftermakingthatcrypticstatement,hewipedthemonatowelandcametotakeaseatoppositeher.“Firstthingsfirst”—allcop,notevenatraceofthedeceptivecharmshe’dseeninthedoorway—“here’swhatIknow.”Herecappedthesituation.“Doyouhaveanymoreinformation?”
“Idon’tbelieveso.”Shemadeherselfconcentrateonthescreenofherorganizer.“AsfarasIcantellfromyoursummation,weweregivenidenticalfiles.”ExceptthathershadincludedanimageofMaxShannon,animageshe’dsavedtoanencryptedfile.
Maxleanedbackinhisseat,waitingtospeakuntilshe’dliftedhereyestohim.“Haveyoubeentoanyofthescenes?”
“No.KennethVale’s—theapparentsuicide’s—apartmenthasbeencompromisedtothepointwhereit’suselessasfarasanyforensicexaminationisconcerned,”shetoldhim,havingcheckedthatwithCouncilorDuncan.“However,itwasleftintacttogiveCouncilpsychologistsachancetoexamineitincaseitthrewanylightonVale’spersonality.Hissuicideisconsideredanunusualcase.”
Maxnarrowedhiseyes.“Youtalkingaboutthemethodheusedtohanghimself?”
“Yes.”Sophiacouldn’timaginethedemonsthatwoulddriveamantochoosesuchalong,tortuousformofdeath—ifindeed,hehadchosenhisdeath.“I’vebeengiventhecodestoaccesshisapartment.”
“Good,we’llgohavealook.I’mguessingwe’vegotnothingontheheartattackvictim—filesayshewascremated,”Maxsaid,tippingbackhischair.
“Theywouldhavetakensamplesofhisblood,checkedfor—”
“Ie-mailedNikitafromNewYork,”Maxinterrupted,“askedheraboutthat.Seemslikethesampleshavemysteriouslydisappeared.”
“Interesting.”
“Isn’tit?”Hetappedhisfingeragainstthetable,anditwasn’tarestlessmovement.“Whataboutthecarthethirdpossiblevictimwasdrivingwhenshehadheraccident?”
“It’sbeingheldataprivatefacilityhereinthecity.”
“Well,that’ssomethingatleast.”Scowling,hetippedhischairevenfartherback.“Would’vebeenbetterifNikitahadcalledusinrightawayinsteadofwaitingseveralweeksafterthecrash—butIguessshefiguredshecouldgettothebottomofitherself.”
Sophiacouldn’tconcentrateonhiswords,herattentionheldbysomethingelsealtogether.“You’llfalloverifyoukeepdoingthat.”
Heshotheranamusedlook,continuingtoholdtheprecariousbalance.“Usedtodrivemyfosterfamiliesnuts.”
Hisopennessaboutbeinginthefoster-caresystemwasunexpected.AnditmadeSophiagiveintotheseedsofrebellion,toaskaquestionthataperfectPsywouldhaveneverasked.“Youweren’twithonefamilylongterm?”
“No.Longestwassixmonths,”hesaideasily,andtippedhischairbackdownonallfourfeet.“IassumeNikitahadhertechscheckthevehicleout?”
Shenodded,astrangerealizationtakingforminsideofher.Maxhadn’thadparentseither,notinreality.Hewaslikeher,atleastinthatway.Shewantedtosharethatwithhim,withthismanwho’dseemedtoseeherfromtheirveryfirstmeeting,butshedidn’tknowhow,havingnocapacityorexperienceatbuildingbondswithanotherindividual.“Yes,”shesaidinstead,harshlyawareofhowremoteshesounded,howinhuman…asifshewasalreadydead.“However,CouncilorDuncanhasauthorizedtheexpenditurerequiredtogetanindependentreportifyouthinkitnecessary.”
“I’lldecidethatafterIhaveachatwiththemechanic.”Pushingbackhischair,herosetohisfeet,thescentofhisbody—soap,warmth,somethingdarker—sweepingacrosshersenses.“Butfirst—Vale’sapartment.”
“Alright.”Shestood,awarehermovementswerenotasgracefulashis—herbodyfeltjerky,disconnected.“Ifyou’llgivemeamomenttochangeoutofmysuit.”
“Youhadcourtthismorning?”Hereachedouttoopenthedoorforher,theactionmakingherpauseforasecond.Menneverdidthingslikethatforher.Itwasn’tbecauseshewasPsy—she’dwatchedanynumberofmalesdothesameactautomaticallyforallfemales.Buttheyalwaysseemedtowanttodistancethemselvesfromtheviolencesheworeonherface—asiftheywereafraiditwascatching.
“Sophia?”
Sherealizedshe’dbeenquiettoolong.“Yes?”
“Howdidthecasego?”
“Howitalwaysdoes,”shesaid,unlockingherdoorwithglovedhandsthatwereaconstantreminderofwhoshewas,andwhoshe’dbetillthedayshedied—nomattertheneedtorebel,tobreakthechainsofapastthatrefusedtosetherfree,therecouldbenoothertomorrowforher.“ItoldthejudgeandjurywhatIsaw.ThatisallIdo.”CHAPTER7
Menwhoknowtheirfathersaredifferentcreaturesfrommenwhodon’t.It’stimeIrippedoffthatparticularblindfold.
—E-mailfromMaxShannontoBartholomewReuben
MaxwatchedSophiadisappearintoherapartmentandletoutabreathhehadn’tbeenawareofholding.Thewomangottohim,nodoubtaboutit.Andshegottohiminawaythatmadeamockeryofanythoughtshemight’vehadaboutkeepinghisemotionaldistance.
Headingbacktohisbedroomwiththattruthcirclinginhishead,hegrabbedablackWindbreakerfromhissuitcase.Ittookonlyacoupleofsecondstoshovehiscellphoneinsideandshrugintoit—walkingbackout,heleanedagainstthewalloppositeSophia’sdoorashewaitedforhertofinishchanging.Itgavehimacoupleofveryneededminutestocalmdown.
Andfacethefacts.
HisbodynotonlylikedtheideaofSophiaRusso,itlikedtherealityofherevenmore.Shehadlush,sensuallips,curvesthatmadeamanthankGod—andshesmelledsogoodhewantedtoburyhisfaceinherneckliketheleopardsdidwiththeirmates.ButthoseeyesthathadonceremindedhimofRiver’slaughinggaze…theywereutterlyflat,solifelesshemayaswellhavebeentalkingtoanautomaton.
WithmostPsy,hewould’veacceptedthatlackasaninevitablesideeffectoftheiremotionlesspersonalities,butwithSophia,heknewithadtobeacarefullyconstructedlie.Becausenoonewho’dseenthethingsSophiaRussohadseen,who’dwalkedintheblood-soakedfootstepsofevil,couldhaveremainedunscathedbyit.
Notunlessheremotionsweren’tsimplyburied,butexcisedfromexistence.
Thedooropenedatthatmoment,revealingthewomanatthecenterofhisthoughts.She’dchangedintojeansandagraysweatshirtthatcoveredthosecurveshewasstartingtoobsessover.HecouldseetheedgeofawhiteT-shirtbeneaththesweatshirt,whileplainblacksneakerspeekedoutfromunderthehemofherjeans.
“Isthisappropriate?”sheasked.“Iassumedwemighthavetimetogotothegarageaswell.”
Heranhisgazenotoverherclothing,butoverthesoftcurlsofhershoulder-lengthhair.Arich,charcoalblack,thosecurlstemptedamantofisthishandsinthesoftness,tugherclose,andsinkhisteeth—deliciouslycarefully—intothatfulllowerlip.“Yes.”Itcameouthusky.
Shehesitated,asifshe’dcaughttheedgeinhistone,butherwordswhentheycamewerepragmatic.“I’lle-mailtheCouncilorfromthecar,ensurethechiefmechanicknowswe’llbecoming.”Lockingherdoorafterpickingupthatlittlecomputronicgadgetthatseemedtobesurgicallyattachedtoherhand,shefellintostepbesidehim,herheadnotevenreachinghisshoulder.
“You’reshort.”Hecouldtuckherunderhisarm,andagainsthisbody,withoutanyproblemwhatsoever.
Sophiaalmosthalted.“Thatkindofobservationisrudeinallcultures.”
Heshrugged,buthe’dnotedthejerkymovementbeforeshesmoothedoutherstride,consideredtheimplications—Psymadeitapointtoreactaslittleaspossible,regardlessoftheprovocation.AndMaxwasvery,verygoodatprovocationwhenhewasinthemood.“Ididn’tsayyoudidn’tlookgoodshort.”
“Iamwhatistermeda‘throwback’tomygreat-great-grandmother,”Sophiasaid,hertonepurefemininefrost.“Shehadtheidenticalbodytype.Iwillneverbeslender.”
“FromwhereI’mstanding”—Maxcouldn’thelphimself,thedevilinhimtakingover—“slenderisoverrated.”
Ignoringhimwithafocusthatmadehislipscurveintoaslow,satisfiedsmile,Sophiapressedherfingertothetouchpadfortheelevator.“Willyourpetbealrightintheapartment?”
Surprisedshe’dbotheredtoaskafterMorpheus,henodded.“Ileftawindowopenforhim.”
“Thereisonlyaverynarrowledge,andit’sseveralfloorsofftheground.”Aglancebackdownthecorridor,asifshewasconsideringreturningforMorpheus.“Heisalsoinanunfamiliarcity.”
Thatlook,thewords,thehintofapersonalitybehindtheice,hadeveryoneofhisinstinctshumming—SophiaRussowasnoroboticPsy.Shewassomething,someonefarmoreintriguing.“Morpheusisanalleycat,”hesaid,rememberingthewayhe’dseenherextendherfingerstowardthecat,theinquisitivelookonherfacewhenshe’dthoughthewasn’twatching.“Healreadyconsidersthatledgehisownpersonalegressandthecityhisveryownplayground,trustme.”
“Heisyourpetandyourresponsibility.”
Lettingherstepintotheelevatorasitarrived,hebitbackagrinatthatprimreminderandreachedforthekeypad.“Iwastoldwe’dhaveavehicle—doyouknowifit’salreadyhere?”
“Yes.Ipickeditupandparkeditinthebasementgarage.”Shewaiteduntilhe’dpressedhisfingertotheappropriatenumberbeforesurprisingthehelloutofhim.“Youcandrive.”
Whenheraisedaneyebrow,shesaid,“I’vehadenoughcontactwithhumanmalestorealizeyouseemtohaveacongenitalinabilitytofunctionwhileafemaleisatthewheel,andI’dratheryourfullattentionbeonthecase.”
Herockedbackonhisheels,waypastintriguedandwellintoseriouslyscrewed—becausetherewasonlyonewaythiscouldend.Thathintofpersonalityandtheinexorabletugofadeepersomethingbetweenthemnotwithstanding,Sophiawasn’tonlyaJ,wasn’tonlyaPsy,shewasCouncilorDuncan’spersonaleyesandears.Asmartmanwouldkeephisdistance,makesuresheneverforgotthatwhiletheymightbeworkingtogether,theysureashellweren’tonthesameteam.
Therewasjustoneproblemwiththat—he,amanknownforleavinghisloverswithsmilesontheirfaces,andwithoutabackwardlook,wantedtoknoweverytinydetailaboutthiswomanwhospoketopartsofhimthathadbeenincoldstoragesolong,hisbodyphysicallyhurtastheywoke.Itwas,tobehonest,uncomfortableashell.More,theshockingintensityofhisresponsewentagainstthepragmaticnatureofhismind—hewasusedtothinking,toplanning.
Buthewasalsoamanwhoknewhowtoadapt.Andhehadn’tbackeddownfromanythingoranyonesincethedayhe’dgrownoldenough,andstrongenough,todefendhimself…toprotecthimself.
“Youknow,”hesaidastheelevatordoorsopened,determinedtouncoverthetruthoftheenigmathatwasSophiaRusso,“changelingswouldconsideryourlettingmedriveasurrender.”
Shesteppedoutintothegarage,soprimandproperthathewantedtomessherupthreewaystoSunday,thelong-forgottenboyinhimsittingupinmischievousanticipation.Whatwouldshedo,hewondered?DidSophiaRussoevenunderstandthemeaningoftheword“play”?
“I’msureyourealize,”Sophiasaidinresponsetohiscomment,“thatnothingisthateasywithPsy,Detective.”
“Max.”Hewantedtohearhersayhisname,acknowledgehimasaman.
Aslightnod.“Thisisourcar.”Shestoppedinfrontofablacksedanwithtintedwindows.
Hewhistledthroughhisteeth.“Thisisaverywell-designedtank.”Sleek,meanttomixintoordinarytraffic,but—tohisexperiencedeyes—surelybulletproofandwithabodybuilttosurviveimpactsfromvehiclestwiceitssize.
“CouncilorDuncanthoughtitprudentsinceI’llbeworkingwithyou.”Acurlofravenblackhairswungagainsthercheekasshebegantoslideoffherrightglove.“It’sbecomecommonknowledgethatonceaJtakesan‘impression’ofamemory,thatmemorybecomesinaccessibletoanotherJ.”
Realizationcoalescedintoatightlineoftensionacrosshisshoulders.“Howmanytimeshassomeonetriedtokillyou?”
“I’mnotcertain.”Sheusedherthumbprint—herhandunmarked,unscarred—tounlockthecarandaccessthecomputroniccontrolpanel.“Icanprogramyouinnowifyou’llcomeoverandpressyourthumbtothescanner.”
Hedidso,waitingpatientlywhilesheensuredhehadfullrightstooperatethevehicle.“Guess,”hesaidafterward,asshegotoutandwalkedaroundtothepassengersidedoor.
“What?”
“Givemeanestimateofhowmanytimesyoumayhavebeenthetargetofanassassinationattempt.”
Sheopenedherdoor.“I’veonlybeenshotatthreetimes.”
Only.Alotofcopsdidn’tgetshotatthatmanytimestheirwholecareer.Slidingintothedriver’sseat—aftershiftingitbackmorethanafoot—hebroughtupthemanualcontrols,viscerallyawareofthedelicatevulnerabilityofherskinbareinchesaway.“Whyisthat?”heasked,speakingpastasuddenpossessiveedgethathonedhisprotectivenesstoasteelygleam.
Andthat,too,wasasurprise.Thoughhewasaprotectoratheart,afacetofhispersonalityhe’dlearnedtohandle,he’dneverbeenpossessive…ormaybe,alongsilentpartofhimwhispered,he’dsimplylearnednottobe.Ifyoudidn’tclaimpeople,theycouldn’trejectyou,couldn’tleaveyou,couldn’tbreakyourfuckingheart.Excepteventhatrealitydidn’tstophisprimalresponsetoSophia—itcamefromsomeplacedeeper,beyondthecivilizedskinofhishumanity.
Sophiaturnedtobucklehersafetybelt.“Iassume,”shesaidinresponsetohisquestion,“peoplewantedtostopmefromgivingevidence—ifIdie,theimpressiondieswithme.”
Hisfingersalmostbrushedherhairashebracedhisarmonthepassengersideseatbackinpreparationforreversingthecar.
Thewaysheshiftedtoavoidanycontactwassubtle…andachillingreminderthatforallherlushfemininity,SophiaRussowouldnevermeltforanyman.Itshould’vethrowncoldwateronhissimmeringhunger,nippedthatdawningpossessivenessinthebud,butallitdidwasmakehimwanttotugathercurls,justtoseewhatshe’ddo.
Therewasareasonhe’dspentmostofjuniorhighindetention.
Fightingtheurge,hedroppedhisarmoncehehadthecaroutandangledtowardtheexit.Slow,hethought,hehadtodothisslow.Shewassoskittish,he’dhavetostrokeherintotrustinghim.Ifhepushedtoohard,toosoon,he’dloseanyhopeofgettingthroughhershields—andthatwasunacceptable.
BecauseMaxhadmadehisdecision.WhateveritwasthatburnedbetweenhimandthisJwithherhauntedeyesandsecrets,hewasn’taboutwalkaway.“No,”hesaid,makinghisvoicedeliberatelyrelaxed,nonthreatening,“Imeantwhycan’tanotherJre-scanamemory?”
“We’renotcertain.”Sophia’svoicewassteady,butwithahuskyundertonethatbrushedakissacrosshisskin.“However,thestrongesttheoryisthatwhatevermental‘door’weentertotakethememoryhastheflow-oneffectofpermanentlyclosingthatdoortheinstantweleave.”
“SowithBonner…?”
“Scanswereattemptedathistrialbutnevercompleted.Hismindisstill‘open’inthatsense.”
Pullingoutintothetraffic,heputthecarintohover-drive,butretainedmanualcontrol.“There’snoenforcedautomaticnavigationhere,right?”
“No.Manhattanisunusualinitsrules—likelybecauseofitsgeography.”
“Hmm.”Feelingthepowerfulvehiclepurrunderhishands,herelaxedintotheseatandturnedhismindtothecase…andtoatruthhewasn’tblindto,nomatterthepowerofwhatsheincitedinhim.“Areyouplanningtofuckwithme?”
ToSophia,thequestionwasarapiersharpthrustbetweenherribs.“Pleaseexplainyourwords,Detective.”He’dbeensoeasyacompanionoverthepastfewminutesshe’dalmostforgottenthelethalmanshe’dmetoutsidethatinterrogationroominWyoming.Amistake.
“You’remeanttoactasafilter”—astrokeofthesteelthatlaybelowthebeautifulsurface—“butfactis,Ican’tbeeffectiveifyou’rehidingthingsIneedtoknow.”
Sophiawonderedhowmanysuspectshe’dfooledintodroppingtheirguardbeforestrikingwiththatprecisebladeofavoice.“You’vejustcalledmestupid.”
“DidI,MissSophia?”
Again,heunbalancedher,madeheruncertainhowtorespond.Humansaskedherforinformation,forinsightintotheircases,sometimesmakingsmalltalkintheprocess,butthis,whatMaxwasdoing…shedidn’tunderstandit.“Beblunt,Detective,”sheordered.“Idon’thandlesubtletywell.”
Maxshotheralookshecouldn’tread,buthefollowedherorder.“IneedtoknowwhethertotreatyouasapartnerorasastoogeforCouncilorDuncan.”
Shethoughtofthecold-eyedwomanwhowouldonedaysignherdeathwarrant,ensuringherlastdaysonthisearthwouldbespentasafugitive;thought,too,ofthispiercinglyintelligent,complexmanwhomadeherwish—foronebrokensecond—thatshewasnormal.Butshe’dlostherchanceatanykindofnormalityinafractureofrazor-sharpglassandscreamstwentyyearsago.“CouncilorDuncanwantsyoutofindthemoleinhersystem,”shesaidinavoicethatcameoutcoatedinice.“I’mtodoeverythingIcantoassistyou.Thatistheextentofmybrief.”
“So,”Maxsaidatlast,“thissuicide.KennethVale.”
Sophiabroughtuptheinformationonherorganizerevenassheclosedthedoorgentlyonthepast,soasnottoawakentheslumberingothernessinsideofher.“HewastheCouncilor’sspecialistinstocksandbonds,”shesaid,findingananchorinwhatsheunderstood,wordsanddataandfact.
“Whatweretheconsequencesofhisdeath?”Apracticalquestion,buthisvoicehadshiftedagain,thetimbrewarm,disturbinglyintimateintheconfinesofthecar.
Herhandslippedalittleasherpalmturneddamp.“ShelostacertainamountofmoneywhennewsofVale’ssuicidegotout.Youhavetounderstand,suchanactishighlyunusualamongPsy”—amongmostPsy—“andisconsideredasignofseverementalillness.”
Max’snextwordshitherwithoutwarning.“You’renottellingmeeverything.”
Howhadheknown?Shestaredatthecleanlinesofhisprofile,hereyeslingeringathistemple.Hewashuman.Allhisrecordsprovedthatwithoutadoubt—andyetthewayhereadsuspects,thewayhe’djustreadher,itremindedheragainthatshe’dhavetobevery,verycarefularoundhim.
Ifherealizedtheextentofthefracturesinsideofher,ifheunderstoodthethingstheothernesshaddone…Shetookaslow,carefulbreath.“Ithasnobearingonthecase.”
Thelookheshotherwasbrutalinitsdemand.“I’lldecidewhat’srelevant.”
“Suicide,”shefinallysaid,“isconsideredanacceptablechoiceinsomecircumstances.However,inthosecases,thesuicideisusuallyundertakeninaquiet,unobtrusiveway.”
“Suicide’sneverquietorunobtrusive.”Hisvoicewasawhip,cuttingacrossherskin.“I’veseenenoughshatteredfamiliestoknowthat.But…Psydon’tdolove,dothey?”
“No.”Emptinessinhersoul,anechoingnothingnesswherethereshould’vebeenfamily,should’vebeenconnection,evenifonlyofthecoldestkind.“Often,incasesofseverementaldeterioration,thechoiceisbetweensuicideandrehabilitation.”
Suicideisthebetteroption,Sophia.AnotherJ,speakingtohertwomonthsbeforehewasdiscovereddeadinahotelroom,havingoverdosedonacarefullycalculatedcocktailofdrugs.Atleast,you’lldiewhole.Iftheytakeyou,they’llleaveanatrocitybehind—acreaturethatshouldnotexist.CHAPTER8
Theminor’sparentshavewillinglysurrenderedfullcustodytothestateasshedoesnotappeartohavethecapacitytomanagelifeintheregularpopulation.
—PsyMedreportonSophiaRusso,minor,age8
Maxhadbeenacopforoveradecade.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtoconnectthedots.Staringoutatthecitystreets,hetriedtowipeouttheimageofSophiaslippingsoftlyintothelastgoodnight,unabletobelievethatthissmart,steelywomanwouldevergiveintodeathwithoutafight.“Anddoyouthinksuicideispreferabletorehabilitation?”
“Ibelievethechoiceistheindividual’s.”Apause.“Butifyou’reaskingifIwouldevermakethatchoice—no.”Shetappedthescreenofherorganizerwithalittlelaserpen.“Wouldyouliketotalkaboutthesecondsuspiciousdeath?”
Convincedbyherabsoluteanswerontheissueofsuicide,heturnedhismindbacktothecase.“CarmichaelJones,”hesaid.“MassivecoronaryinhissuitewhileatameetingintheCaymanIslands.Maidfoundhim—pathologistruledhe’dbeendeadforatleasttwo,threehoursatthatstage.”
Sophiadidn’tsayanythingforalmostaminute.Then,“Doyouhaveallthisdatainyourhead?”
“Yes.”Startledatthequestion,heglancedover,caughtthosenight-violeteyeswatchinghimwithafocusthatfeltlikeatouch.“Don’tyou?”
“No,Ihaveotherthingsinmyhead.”Shedroppedhergazetothescreenoftheorganizer,cuttingoffthattopic,buthefeltitsshadowyechoallaroundhim.
Hishandsclenchedonthesteeringwheel.“Doyouhavenightmares?”
“Psydon’tdream.”Itwasthenonanswerhe’dexpected,butthensheadded,“It’seasyforthemtosaythat,”andheknewSophiahadlookedintotheabyssandscreamed.
Evenasheopenedhismouthtoreply,shespokeagain,andthistime,herwordswereicilypragmatic.“CarmichaelJoneswasCouncilorDuncan’smainadvisorinrelationtothepropertyarmofherbusiness.”
Maxletherretreatfornow.“Construction’sabigpartofherempirefromwhatI’veheard.”
“Yes.She’shadalotofsuccessbuildingchangeling-aimedcomplexes.”
“Hmm.”Heconsideredwhatheknewofchangelings.HisfriendshipwithClay—andanotherDarkRiversentinel,Dorian—wassolid,butithadbeenearnedthroughblood.Ingeneral,whenitcametostrangers,thepredatoryspeciestendedtomaintainareserveddistance.“Howdidshemanagethat?”
“Shehasanagreementwithyourfriends’pack.Ibelieveit’sprovenabeneficialarrangementforbothparties.”Alittlemovementasshesettledagainstherseat,thescentofheratantalizingstrokeacrosshissenses.“TherearerumorstheSnowDancerwolvesareasilentpartyinmanyofthesedeals,butnoconfirmation.”
Maxwhistled.Ifthecatswerechillywhenitcametooutsiders,thewolvesweredownrightglacial.“DidCarmichaelJonesdealwiththeleopards?”
“No.Nikitaisthemaincontact—whichisunusual.”
Caressingthecarthroughaturn,heshookhishead.“Notreally—Ihaveafeelingherdaughterwasmeanttobetheoriginallead.”He’dnevermetSascha,buthehadmethermate,Lucas,brieflyduringhisprevioustriptoSanFrancisco—onthetrailofanotherbutcher,onewho’devisceratedchildrenliketheyweresomuchmeat.
“Detective…Max.Areyouwell?”
Herealizedhewassqueezingthesteeringwheelhardenoughtoturnhisskinbloodless.“Yeah.”
“Youhavenightmares,too.”Softwords.“Theyalwayspass.”
Thestatementhithimwiththeforceofaten-tontruck—shewastrying,herealized,tocomforthim,thisJwhohadmorenightmaresinsideherskullthanhe’deversee,evenifhelivedtenlifetimes.“Nikita,”hesaid,hisvoicedroppingashefoughttheurgetobringthecartoahalt,totakeherintohisarms,tocomforther,“probablytookoverwhenSaschadefected.”
Shedidn’tpursuethesubjectofnightmares.“Yes,thatmakessense.”
“AndSaschaisherblood”—heknewbetterthananyonethatthatdidn’talwaysmeanwhatitshould,butinthiscase—“maybesheneedsthecontact.”
Sophiashookherhead.“NikitacutoffSaschatheinstantherdaughterprovedflawed.”
Herwords,coupledwiththedirectionofhisthoughts,threatenedtopitchhimbackintothepast,intothelifeofanotherunwantedchild.“Doyouthink,”hesaid,slammingthedooronthosememories,“thatSaschaisflawed?”
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatIthink,onlywhatCouncilorDuncanbelieves.”
“Youdidn’tstrikemeasacoward,Sophia.”
Utterstillness.“Whatisityouwantfromme?”Itwasanoutwardlycalmquestion,buthewascertainheheardabewilderedvulnerabilitybeneaththesurface.
Itmadehimfeellikeabastard.“I’mjusttryingtoknowwhoyouare.”Andwhyshespoketoapartofhimthathadgonequietalong,longtimeago.
“Nobody,”shesaid,hertonesoflat,hecould’veimaginedthesoft-voicedwomanwho’dtoldhimhisnightmareswouldpass.“I’mnobody.”
“Sophi—”
Sophiaspokeoverhim,thedark,brokengirlinsideherpanicked.Hewaspushingtoohard,seeingtoomuch.Shewasn’treadytobeexposedtothelight,wasn’treadytobarethescarsthatscoredherfromtheinsideout.“Gettingbacktothefinancialsituation,”shesaid,thewordscomingoutinafast,staccatobeat,“thecumulativeeffectofheradvisors’deaths,whilenothuge,hasbeenenoughtocauseNikitasignificantproblemsintermsofheroverallbusinessreputation.”
Maxdidn’tspeakforalmostaminute,butwhenhedid,itwasaboutthecase.
Shedidn’tmakethemistakeofthinkinghe’dgivenup.MaxShannonhadscentedherweakness.Andlikethepumashesawinhismasculinegrace,hewouldn’tletupuntilhe’ddrawnfirstblood.CHAPTER9
Hundredsofmilesaway,inthedarkoutskirtsofMoscow,CouncilorKalebKrychekgotoutofbed,havingsleptroughlytwohours.Knowingtherewouldbenomorerest,nottonight,hepulledonapairofpantsinathin,breathablematerialandwentforarunacrossthenight-drapedcountrysidethatsurroundedhishome.
Theearthwashard,almostcuttingunderneathhisuncoveredfeet,thewindawhipacrosstheskinofhisback.Hefeltnoneofit,hismindracingthroughtheendlessblackskiesofthePsyNet,thedarknessbrokenonlybythestarsthatrepresentedthemindsofthemillionsofPsyhookedintothenetwork—anetworkthatprovidedthebiofeedbacknecessaryforlife.
Kalebignoredthoseminds,hisfocusonfindingtheonepieceofdatatheNetMinditselfseemedtobehidingfromhim.Tonight,too,theneosentiencethatwasboththeguardianandlibrarianoftheNet—aneosentiencethatinallotherthingsobeyedKalebwithoutquestion—heldhimatbay,itsshieldsimpenetrable.
Droppingbackfullyintotheworld,heranatapacethatwould’vesurprisedthosewho’dseenhimonlyinthesuitsheworeasaCouncilor,pristineandflawless.Thatwould’vebeentheirmistake.Becausehewasacardinaltelekinetic,hispsychicstrengthbeyondmeasure,hiseyes—whitestarsonaspreadofblack—livingpiecesofthePsyNet.More,hewasthemostpowerfulTkintheNet—movementwasassimpletohimasbreathing.Andtonight,hemovedthroughinfinitequiet.Eventhenocturnalcreaturesseemedtohavegonetoground.
Perhapsitwasbecausethey’dsensedamoredangerouspredatorintheirmidst
Returninghomeafteranhour,hisbodycoveredinsweat,hetookashower,thensatdownathisdesk.ThefirstthinghepulledupwasafileonSophiaRusso,notoutofanyparticularinterest,butbecausehemadeahabitofkeepinganeyeonwhathisfellowCouncilorsweredoing.Nikitamight’vebeenanally,buttheirswasanallianceofexpediency,nothingmore.
TheJ-Psy’sfilewasdetailed,aswasthecasewithmostofherdesignation.Andnotwithstandingherirregularchildhood,andrecentappearanceontherehabilitationwatchlist,herabilitiesfellwithinfairlynormalparametersforaJ.SowhywasNikitasointerestedinthisoneparticularJ?Therewasnodoubtthatshewas—therequesttotheJCorpshadbeenveryspecific.
Makingamentalnotetomonitorthesituation,hewasabouttopullupanotherfilewhenhefeltsomethingtriggerhisoutermostshieldsonthePsyNet.Giventhatthoseshieldsweresocomplextheywereallbutinvisible,heonlysparedtheincidentacursoryglance.Manypeoplecontactedhisshieldswithoutrealizingit.Butthen,theintrudermadeitthroughthoseshields.
Kalebopenedhispsychiceyebetweenoneblinkandthenext.
Theintruderwasgone.
Whichinitselfwasananswer—becauseanyonegoodenoughtohaveleftwithoutgettingcaughtinoneofhistrapsshouldn’thavetriggeredthealarminthefirstplace.“So,”hemurmuredonthephysicalplane,“thegamehasbegun.”CHAPTER10
Sensationbuilds.Youmayconsiderahandshakeharmless,buteachtimeyoutouchahuman,itthreatensyourconditioning.
—ExcerptedfromlessonsgiventoPsychildrenduringtheirtransitionintoadulttraining
SophiawasmorethanreadytoexitthecarbythetimeMaxbroughtittoastopinfrontofamid-risebuildingnotfarfromGoldenGatePark—thesiteofKennethVale’sapartment,thelocationofhissuicide.Sophiahadneversufferedfromapsychologicalissuethatmadehervulnerabletoclaustrophobia,butbeinginthatcarwithaquietlybroodingMaxhadbeen…unsettling.
Hetookupmorespacethanheshould,theheatofhisbodyinescapableintheconfinesofthevehicle.She’dfeltasifhewastouchingherwitheachwaveofthatstarklymasculineheat—andforawomanwhohadn’tbeentouchedinyears,ithadbeenanexperiencethatleftherscramblingforescape.
“Entrycodes?”Maxaskedastheywalkedupthesteps,hisvoicerubbingagainstherskinlikesandpaper.
Again,itwastouchwithoutatouch,somethingshehadnoabilitytoavoid,toprocess.“Ihavethemhere.”Sheletthemintothebuildingandheadedtowardtheelevatorsecurityconsole,herglovedfingersslippingoffthepadoncebeforeshecollectedherself.
Trembling,Maxthought,Sophiawastrembling.
“Thisisaveryexclusivebuilding.”Acalmvoice,thatbetrayinghanddroppingtohersideastheelevatorheadeddowntothem.“Vale’spositionwithCouncilorDuncanenabledhimtosecurehisprivacytothisextent.”
“Whybother?”Maxfoldedhisarmstokeepfromslidinghishandunderherhair,tothesoftwarmthofhernecksohecouldtughertohim,sohecouldapologizeforpushinghertoohard,toosoon,withaslow,sweetkiss—nomatterthatthey’dbeenstrangersonlyadayago.
“Beforethesedeaths,”hesaid,forcinghimselftomaintainawhite-knuckledholdonaneedthatrefusedtoobeytherulesofcivilizedbehavior,“I’mguessingbeingNikita’sbusinessadvisorwasn’texactlyahigh-riskposition,sowhythesecurity?”
“Humans,”shesaid,“andtheoccasionalnonpredatorychangeling,haveawayofexpectingthingsfromPsytheyshouldn’t.”Ameaningfulglanceoutofthosevivid,impossibleeyes.“Valewas,inallprobability,protectinghimselffromthosewhowantedtopitchtohiminperson.”
Theelevatoropenedatthatmoment.Awomanenteredthelobbyatalmostthesameinstant,swipingacardwhereSophiahadenteredVale’saccesscode.“Pleaseholdtheelevator.”
Maxdidso,consciousofSophiaallbutdisappearingintoacorner.
“Thanks.”Thewoman’srubyredsmilebetrayedherhumanity.“Areyoumovingin?Ihaven’tseenyoubefore.”
Maxsawthestrangergivehimtheonce-over,recognizeditforwhatitwas.Womenhadbeenmakinghimofferssincebeforehewaslegal.Andhe’dlearnedtoturnthemdownwithouthurtingtheirfeelings—becauseinspiteoftheactionsofthewomanwho’dshapedhim,he’dneverhatedherorthoseofhersex.Partofhimhadalwayswantedtoprotecther—evenasachild,he’dknownthatnomatterwhatshedidtohim,herpainwasdeeper,older,aviciousanimalthattorehertopiecesfromtheinsideout.
Sotoday,hegavethiswomanasmallsmile.“Justcheckingtheplaceout.”
“Well,”shesaidastheelevatoropenedonherfloor,“ifyouwanttoaskanyquestionsaboutthearea,callme.”Passingoveracard,sheexited,hermuskyperfumealingeringreminderofherpresence.
Sophiastirred.“Shewasplayingamatinggamewithyou.”
Maxhadbeenabouttodropthecardintothesmallwroughtironrecyclingbininthecorner,butnowsliditintohispocket.IfittookjealousytorousetherealSophiatothesurface,he’duseitwithoutanyguiltwhatsoever—whenamangotkickedthishardinthegutsbyawoman,anythingwasfair.
AndtheuniqueindividualbehindthemaskoftheperfectJ,theonewho’dtoldhimBonner’svictimsshouldn’thavetospendeternityinthecolddark—that’swhohewantedtoknow.“It’scalledflirting.”Heshotheraslow,deliberatelyprovocativesmile.“I’msureyoumust’veseenhumansdoitbefore.”
“Isthatthephysicaltypethatattractsyou?”Awaresheshouldbackoff,butunabletostoppushingforananswer,SophiasteppedoutoftheelevatoronVale’sfloor.“Tall,slender,withafashionable-dresspreference?”
Maxgesturedtotheleftofthequiet,carpetedcorridor.“That’shisplace.”Lettingherpasshimsoshecouldinputthecodethatwoulddisengagethelocks,hepushedopenthedoor.“And,”hesaidinavoicethatmadethetinyhairsonthebackofhernaperiseinwarningasshewalkedinaheadofhim,“theanswertoyourquestionisno.Thatwomandidn’tdoitforme.”Hepushedthedoorshutbehindthem.“Nowasmallwomanwithdangerouscurves…Icouldbiteintoher.”
Shefroze,certainshewasmisreadingthecomment,butsuddenlyveryconsciousofthewayherlowerbodyfilledoutherjeans.“DetectiveShannon,”shesaid,turningtofacehim,“you’rebeinghighlyinappropriate.”
Hislipskickedupatthecorners.“Youstartedit.”
Shewantedtotracetheshapeofthoselips,wanteditsobadlyherfingerscrampedasshefistedthem.HerSilencehadbeenfragmentingforyears—aninevitablesideeffectofherworkasaJ,andoneforwhichtheJCorpshada“don’task,don’ttell”policy.Solongasthemedicsdidn’tfindanyevidence,theJCorpsManagementBoardwouldn’tturninafracturedJ.ItwaspartlyaneconomicdecisioninordertoretainthenumberofactiveJs…andpartlybecauseeveryoneintheCorpshadlookedintothechasmofmadnessatsomepointintheirlives.
ThoughSophiahadn’tallowedherselftothinkaboutthetruthevenwithinherownmind,consciousofhowdeepM-Psycoulddig,herconditioninghadbrokenclosetocompletelyearlierthisyear,hermindtwinedwithstrange,darktendrilsthatrebuffedSilence;andthereconditioningshe’dundergoneonlythepreviousdayhadalreadybeensloughedofflikesomuchdeadskin.Butinspiteofitall,she’dbeenabletoholdupthefacade,thepretenseofbeingtheperfectPsy.Untilnow.
“Breathe,Sophia.”Ahuskyorder,andtohersurprise,hetookastepback,begantowalkaroundVale’slivingarea.“Thisroomissetupforentertaining—ormaybemeetings,sinceI’mguessingPsydon’tdoparties?”
Sheforcedherbraintofunction,toprovidehimwiththeanswers.“Actually,”shesaid,thewordscomingsluggishlyasshefoughttheconfusioncreatedbyhismerepresence,“cocktailpartiesareheldwhentherearehumanorchangelingclients.It’sallaboutputtingtheothersideatease.”
SomePsycouldevenmanageaglacialkindofcharm—CouncilorKalebKrychekhadanunusualnumberofadmirersinthenon-Psypopulation.Shecouldn’tunderstandwhy.Yes,aestheticallyspeaking,hewastheepitomeofacoldmalebeauty.Buthewasalso,shewascertain,quitecapableofsnappinghisadmirers’neckswithouttheleastpauseshouldtheoccasioncallforit.
“DoyouknowifValereceivedbusinessclientsinhereoutsideofanysocialevents?”Max’sexpressionwasallcopwhenshedaredmeethisgazeagain.Yet,emberscontinuedtoburninthedepthsofthosenear-blackeyes.Hemadenoefforttohidethem,noefforttopretendthatthingswereastheyshould’vebeenbetweenanEnforcementdetectiveandaSilentJ.
“It’spossible.”CouldMaxsharethatwarmth,shewondered,thawthefrostinhersoul,frostthathadbeguntoformwhenshe’dbeenatraumatizedeight-year-oldstrappedhelplesstoahospitalbed?Couldhefixher?“Somehumansdon’tliketobeseenconsortingwithPsy.”Itwasaquestion—vital,necessary,powerful—couchedasastatement.
MaxpeeledoffhisWindbreaker,bunchingtheblackmaterialinhishand.“Idon’tlikethePsy,”hesaidwithblunthonesty.“Idon’tlikehowtheymesswithhumanmindsandpervertjusticesotheCouncilcangetwhatitwants.”
She’dknownthat,ofcourseshe’dknownthat.Butshehadn’twantedtoknow
“ButSophie”—whathadhecalledher?—“I’mnobigot.Andyou’reaJ.CopsandJshavealwaysgonetogether.”Heheldhergazeuntilshelookedaway,scramblingtofindherfootingbyrecitingtheminutiaeofthecaseinhermind.Becausewhathe’djustoffered,itwassomethingshewantedsobadlythatifshedaredreachforitandhedrewbackhishand,itwouldpushherthefinalstepintoanirrevocableinsanity.
“Sophie.”Aquietdemand.
Sheshookherhead.“There’snotmuchleftinsideme,Max.”Sometimes,allsheheardwereechoes.“Idon’tknowhowtoplaythegamesthatwomanwasplayingwithyou.”
Maxsuckedinabreath,blindsidedbySophia’sstarkhonesty.Itstrippedawaythesophisticatedritualsofthedancebetweenmaleandfemale,allowingnoroomforillusionsandhalf-truths.Hecould’vepulledback,buthe’dmadehischoice—tofollowthisstrange,powerfulattractionthroughtotheend.“Nogames,”hesaid,holdinghergaze.“Notbetweenus.”
Shetookalongbreath.“I’mPsy,Max.”Notarejection…areminder.
“You’reaJ.”Turningaway,hedroppedhisWindbreakeronthebackofanearbysofabeforecrouchingtoexaminethesmallglasscabinetbelowthecommconsole.Severaldatacrystalslayneatlywithin.“Mightbesomethinghere.”
HesawSophiatugatherglovestoensureeveryinchofherskinwascoveredbeforesheextendedherhandtoacceptthecrystals.Readingthetenselineofherbody,thedesolatesimplicityofherearlierwordsstillcirclinginhishead,hedroppedthemintoherpalmwithcare,avoidingphysicalcontact.“Notlikelytobeentertainment,”hesaid,risingtohisfeet.“Newsfootage?”
Shebenttoplacethecrystalsonthesmallbeveledcoffeetableinthecenteroftheroom.“Hemayhavekeptbusinessdocumentswithineasyreach”—thewordswerecool,Psy,buthe’dseenthemaskfall,wasn’tfooled—“thingsthatweren’tsensitive.Theywereprobablyleftbehindtohelpthepsychologistscreateafullmentalprofile.”Shegestureddownthecorridor.“Hetookhislifeinthebedroom.”
Nodding,MaxwalkedtotheroomwhereKennethValehadspenthislastminutesonthisearth,slowly,painfullychokingtodeath.“Youshouldlookatthis,”hesaidtoSophia,“theimageinthefiledoesn’treallyconveytheimpact.”
MovingtostandbesideMaxinthedoorway,confidentthatforallhisrelentlesswill,hewouldn’ttouchherwithoutinvitation,Sophialookedupandtothegleamingmeathookthathungfromthebedroomceiling.“Thefactthathewenttothetroubleofscrewingitintotheceilingwastabledasevidenceofhisdisturbedstate.”Herthoughtsflashedtoanothercrimescenephoto—Vale’sfacecontorted,histonguegrotesquelyswollen.He’devacuatedhisbowels,hisexpensivewooltrousersstainedwithdeath.
“Ididn’thaveachancetoreadthefullreportontheplane,”Maxsaid,hisgazestillonthebrutalshineofthemeathook.“Howdidtheinvestigatorsexplainthefactthattherewerescratchesaroundhisneck?”
“Thatherealizedtheirreversiblenatureofhisactionswhenitwastoolate.”Deathwasforever.She’dlearnedthattruthyoungandhadneverbeengivenachancetoforget.
“Hewasafairlydecenttelepath,right?”Athernod,tinylinesfannedoutfromthecornersofhiseyes.“Thensomeonemust’veheardhimcryoutforhelp.”
“TheyidentifiedJaxinhisbloodstream,”Sophiasaid.“Thegeneralconsensusisthathewasdisorientedbyadrughaze,couldn’tfindthedooroutofhisownmind.”
“You’remyPsyexpert—tellmeifthat’spossible.”
“Yes,itis.”Mentalpathwayscouldtwist,couldturn,couldshatter…especiallyifyouwereahuntedchild,terrifiedandscreaming.“However,Valehadnoindicatorsofanypriordruguse—anditseemstomethatifhewasgoingtotakedrugstodulltheedge,hewould’vesimplysuicidedbythatmethod,usingfarmoreeffectiveagents.”
Makingahmmingsoundlowinhisthroat,MaxwenttothenakedwhiteofthefloorbelowwhereValehadtakenhislife,thecarpethavingbeencutaway.“Plus,itjustdoesn’tfittheprofilePsyMedhadofhimbeforehedied.”Lookingaround,hegrabbedachairsittinginonecorneroftheroomandbroughtittothatbarrenpatchoffloor.“ThefactthateveryonewassoreadytobelievethesuicideverdictinspiteofallthattellsmethePsyareinmoretroublethananyoneknows.”
Shewatchedhimstandonthechair,herfingersgrippingthedoorjambatthesuddentranspositionofhisbodywithVale’s.“Max?”Hisnamespilledout,thebrokengirlinsideofherscared,soscared.Hewastooclosetotheevil.Whatifittouchedhim,thismanwithhisunexpectedsmilesandhiseyesthatsawher?
Maxtuggedonthehook,hisbicepsdefinedasheplacedhisweightontheuglyobject.“Strong,butithadtobe—hewashanginghereforatleastanhourortwobeforehewasfound,wasn’the?”
Sheforcedherselftothink.“Timeofdeathsuggeststhat.”Yearsofexperiencesparkedherneuronstolife,notwithstandingthechillofterror.“However,hewasn’tseenfortwodaysbeforehand.”
Max’seyesmethers.“Goodgirl.”
Disconcertedbythemomentofperfectunderstandingoutsideofanypsychicconnection,shevocalizedherconclusions.“Youbelievesomeonewasholdinghimdruggedandhostageduringthetimeittooktoinstallthehook.”
“Maybenotthewholetime,butpartofit,yeah.”Jumpingoffthechair,hereturnedittoitspreviousposition.“Thewholethingsmellslikeasetup—theaterforthepublic.”
“CouncilorDuncanwasabletokeepalidonthedetails.”
Maxraisedaneyebrow.“YoutellingmenoonewhisperedaboutitonyourPsyNet?AccordingtowhatI’veheard,it’saclearinghouseforprettymucheveryscrapofdataknowntoPsyaroundtheworld.”
SherarelyenteredtheNetthesedays.Therewastoomuchthere,toomanyvoices,toomanythoughts—itwasakintobeingbatteredinastorm-tossedsea,eachstraywhisper,eachmurmur,abodyblow.“Yes,you’reprobablycorrect,”shesaid,suddenlyrealizingthatMaxhadatinyscarhighuponhisleftcheekbone.Thetipsofherfingerstingled,wantingtotouch,totrace,tolearn.
Max’sexpressionchanged.“Doit.”Aquiet,intensecommandfromahumanwhosawfartoomuch.
“Ican’t.”
Notwon’t,Maxthought,can’t.“Why?”
Shelookedaway…butthenreturnedtoholdhisgaze.Strong,hethought,shewasstrongerthansheknew,thisJwho’dtoldhimshedidn’thavemuchleftinher.“I’mnowaSensitive.”Shespreadherfingersbetweenthem.“Ipickupthoughtsthroughtouch.”
HesuckedinabreathashismindfilledwithimagesofhersittinginthatroomwithBonner’smaliciouspresenceonlyinchesaway,theskinofherface,hernecksonaked,soveryvulnerable.“Whatwouldhappenifsomeonedisturbedtouchedyourskin?”
“IfIwaslucky,I’dgointoshock.Morelikely,theavalancheofimageswouldshearmytelepathicshieldsandkillme.”
Hedidn’tmove,staringatthoseslenderglovedfingershe’dfantasizedabouthavingalloverhim.“Howlongsinceyou’vetouchedanotherperson?”Itcameoutharsh,rawwithaneedthatfeltasifithadhadyearstogrow,tomature
Eyesthecolorofheatlightningmethis,overflowingwithalonelinesssoabsolute,ithadnoend.“Fouryears.”CHAPTER11
SaschaDuncan,cardinalE-Psy,matetothealphaofthestrongestleopardpackinthecountry,andawomanknownforhercalminthemidstofacrisis,threwahalf-a-milliondollarbookagainstthewall.
Regretstruckalmostimmediately,andshecaughtthebookusingherminortelekineticabilitybeforeithit,butfrustrationcontinuedtochurnwithinher.AccordingtoAliceEldridge’sseminalworkonE-Psy,acardinalempathshouldhavethecapacitytostopariotofthousandsinitstracks,butSaschacouldn’tevencontrolfivepeople.Thosefivehadbeenvolunteers,packmateswhotrustedherenoughtoallowhertoattempttofeedpeacefulemotionsintothem—aftertheypurposefullygotthemselvesexcited.
“Butitdoesn’twork!”Rubbingherhandoverthehardmoundofherpregnantbelly,shestompedoutsidetofindhershirtlessmatereplacingawindowontheleft-handsideoftheircabin.Theaerieabovethatcabinwasnowoff-limits.Lucastendedtosnarlatherifsheeventeasedhimabouttryingtoclimbup.
“Saschadarling,”henowsaid,wipingfingermarksoffthenewlyinstalledpaneofglassusinghisdiscardedT-shirt,“nexttimeyourhellionfanclubwantstoplaycatch,IsuggestDorian’splace.”
Her“hellionfanclub”wascomposedoftwincubs,RomanandJulian—andDorian’shousewasmadeofglass.Normallythatkindofadistinctlyfelinecommentwould’vemadeherlaugh.Today,shekickedbad-temperedlyattheforestfloor.“Thatbookjustassumessomuchknowledge.AsifI’msupposedtomagicallyplucktheinformationoutoftheether!”Anotherkick.“Whatkindofathesisisthat?Shouldn’tadoctoralstudentknowbetterthanto—”
“Sascha?”
Shesnappedupherhead,allbutgrowling,“What?”
Hermateleanedforwardinadeceptivelyslowmove,snaggedhershoulders,andkissedher.Andkeptonkissingheruntilshemelted,closingherhandsoverthewarmsilkoftheskinthatcoveredhismuscularshoulders.“Youneedahaircut,”shemurmuredintothekiss.Theblackstrandswerelongenoughtobrushthebacksofherhands.
Hekissedheragain,hislipssmilingagainsthers.“I’mscaredofscissors.”
“Excuses.”Shestrokedherfingersthroughthestrands.“Youjustlikegirlsgoingcrazyoveryourhair.”
“Busted.”Awarm,lovingstrokeoverherbelly.“How’sourrockstardoing?”
“Loudasalways.”She’dbeenabletosensethelifeforceoftheirbabyfromacoupleofweeksafterconception.Atfivemonths,thattinylifewasnowaconstantpresenceinthebackofhermind,normallycontent,oftenhappy,andsometimesdelighted.Likenow.Theirbabyknewitsfather’svoice,hispresence.“Thankyouforthekiss.”Theunspokensupport.
“It’sahardshipkeepingupwithyourdemands”—amocksigh—“butsomeone’sgottodoit.”Anothernibbling,laughingkisswhenshesnarledathim—andshewasgettingquitegoodatitafterthenumberoftimeshe’ddoneittoher
“So,”hesaidafterhehadherbreathless,“thefunnelingemotiontrickdidn’twork?”
“No—itdid.Butonlyforashortperiod.Ican’tholditforlongerthanmaybethirtyseconds.”Turning,sheleanedherbackagainsthischest.“There’ssomethingI’mmissing.”
Lucas’sarmcamearoundherupperchest,holdinghertohim.“HaveyouconsideredtalkingtoDev?”heasked,referringtotheleaderoftheForgotten—Psywho’dlefttheNetoverahundredyearsagoandformedtheirownsociety.
“Iwasthinkingofdoingthat.”Shegrippedhisarm.“Iwish…IwishNikitahadknownthejoyIfeelnow.IwondersometimesifsheheardmelikeIdoourbaby,orifSilenceblocksthatconnection.”
“Itmust,”Lucassaid,brushinghislipsoverhertemple,thescentofhimastrokeofwildnesstouchedwithcleanmalesweat.“Howelsecouldawomancarryachildforninemonthsandnotloveitwitheverybeatofherheart?”
Saschafeltadeepsorrowfortheindescribablebeautyofwhathermotherhadmissed.“Doyouthinkshe’llcarethatshe’llsoonhaveagrandchild?”They’dmanagedtokeepthepregnancyunderwrapsfromthegeneralpublicsofar—helpedinpartbythewaythebabysatonherframe,andbycleveruseofclothing—butit’dsoonbecomeimpossibletohidethewonderfultruth.
Lucas’sfreehandslippedbetweenthemtomassageherlowerbackwithstrong,circularstrokes.“Better?”
“Howdidyouknow?”Shepressedakisstohisbiceps.“I’llmeltifyoukeepdoingthat.”
Butherpantherhadturnedserious.“Doyouwanttoseeyourmother,kitten?”
“Idon’tknow.”CHAPTER12
Therecordsofyourbirthweredestroyedduringafiretwenty-fiveyearsago,unfortunatelybeforetheyhadbeenarchived.Weareverysorrytobeunabletohelpyouinyoursearch.
—SistersofHopeHospital,CityofNewYork,toMaxShannon,January2079
MaxandSophiadidn’tspeakagainuntiltheywerewellontheirwaytotheprivategaragewhereNikitahadstashedthevehiclethethirdpresumedvictimhadbeendrivingwhenshedied.
“Isitjustthedisturbedthatyouhavetobecarefulof?”Max’smindwasstillreelingattherealizationthatthiswomanwhoseskinhe’dwantedtostrokefromtheveryfirst,whosebodysangasirensongtohis,mightbeforeveroutofhisreach.
“Mostcops,”Sophiasaidinaquiet,eventonethatcutasdeepasascalpel,“carryasmanynightmaresasaJ.Touchingonewouldbeakintoslammingalightningboltintomyhead.”
Hishandsclenchedonthesteeringwheelasshecontinuedtospeak.“AllPsyruntheriskofbecomingSensitive,butJstendtohavethehighestratesofactualonset.Tocounteractthat,theCouncilonceconsideredbanningtouchfromtheinstantofbirth,butthereprovedtobecertain…undesirableconsequencestosuchacourseofaction.Tactileaversionistaughttousaspartofthefinalstagesofourconditioning.”
Maxthoughtofthehours,thedayshe’dspentlockedinadarkbox,withoutanyhopeofakindtouchwhenhewasfinallyletout,andknewthatnomatterthehorror,he’dbeenlucky.Becausehe’dseenpicturesoftwentieth-centuryorphanageswherebabieshadbeenlefttorotintheircribs.Thosechildrenhadbeendamagedbeyondrepair.“Ican’tseeaPsyrockingherbabytosleep,”hesaid,feelingatugdeepinhissoul.
He’drockhischildtosleep,nodamnquestionaboutit.Noson—ordaughter—ofhiswasevergoingtowonderwhatwassowrongwithhimthathisownparentcouldn’tbearthesightofhim.“Whatkindoftouch,”hesaid,swallowingtheknifebladeofpainthatwashispast,“ispermittedduringchildhood?”
“Nursesholdchildrenduringfeedings,walkaroundwiththemattimes.Contactisprescribedattheoptimalleveltoensurepsychologicalhealth.”
Itsoundedsocold,soclinical.Butthehellofitwas,itwasbettercarethanhe’deverhad.Whenhe’dbeenverysmallandhelpless,perhapshismotherhadfeltasurgeofmaternallove?ButMaxdidn’tthinkso.Hatethatdeep,thatviolent,tooktimetogrow,tomature.
AsmalllightflashedonceonSophia’sorganizer,snappinghisattentionbacktothepresent.“Anythingimportant?”
“No,justanupdateononeofmycasesfromtheprosecutingattorney.Wewon.”Sheputahandonthedashtobraceherselfasthecarcametoasuddenhaltuponsensingthedogthathaddartedintotheroad.
Maxscowledattheownerofthelittleterrierbutletitgoatthat.Gettingthecarrunningagain,heglancedtohisleft.“Thisisit.”Timetofocusonthecase—ratherthanhisimpossiblefascinationwithaJwhomightgomad…mightdie,ifhetouchedher.
“Doyouknowmuchaboutcars?”Sophiaaskedastheywalkedtothegarageentrance,tuggingatherglovesinagesturesherecognizedasanxious.Shecouldn’thelpit,hernervesabraded—themoreshewasaroundMax,themoreshefoundherselfthinkingaboutthefainthopethathadtakenshapeinthebackofhermindwhenshe’dreadhisfile.
Maxshovedhisownhandsintohispockets,hisstrideunconsciouslygraceful.Itmadeanotherforbiddenthoughtsurfaceinthedarkest,mostsecretcornerofhermind—athoughttiedtothewhisperedintimacyofsex.She’dneverbeforeconsideredtheact,onethatwouldtearapartthefinalfragilethreadsofherpsyche,buttodayshefoundshedidn’twanttodiewithoutseeingMaxShannon’snakedbodymovewiththatpowerfulliquidgrace.
Shewassoconsumedbythefantasyittookheramomenttorealizehewasspeaking.
“…hopingtotalktothemechanicwhoactuallywentoverit.Ifshe’snotonshift,we’lljusttakealookatthevehicle,comebacklatertotalktoherface-to-face.I’mnoexpertoncars,butIwanttoreadher.”
“Yes,”Sophiamanagedtosayastheyreachedtheentrance—tobemetbyawell-groomedyoungfemaleinblueoveralls.Hernametagidentifiedherasthechiefmechanic.
“DetectiveShannon,Ms.Russo,pleasefollowme.”Withthat,sheledthemtowardanisolatedandsealedworkroomattheverybackofthegarage.“ThiswasAllisonMarceau’scar.”
Eyesonthecrumpledwreckofwhathadoncebeenadarkgreensedan,Maxblewoutasurprisedbreath.Themajorityofcarsthesedayssurvivedmostimpactswiththepassengercageintact.Thiswassomuchspaghetti.“Carversustree?”
“OutnearModesto,”themechanicanswered,headingtothecomputerstationbuiltintothelargeworkbenchatthebackoftheroom.“Shewasdiscoveredbytheleopardsaftertheyheardthesoundoftheinitialimpact.”
MaxmadeamentalnotetotalktoClay,findoutanythingthatmaynothavemadeitintotheofficialfiles—Psy,andevenmanyhumans,hadatendencytodisregardtheacutenatureofchangelingsenses.Couldbethecatshadscentedsomethingthatcould’vecausedthecrash—maybeevencaughtahintofanotherpersoninthevicinity.“Youdidtheworkonthisyourself?”
“Yes.”Shepulledupsomethingonthescreeninfrontofher.“Accordingtothedatastoredintheonboardcomputer,”themechaniccontinued,“Ms.Marceaudidn’tbrakebutacceleratedontheturn.”
Sophiasteppedupbesidetheotherwoman.“That’snotinthefile.”
“CouncilorDuncanaskedmetokeepitoutoftheofficialrecord.”
Sophiaglancedathim,herunspokenthoughtclear.Suicide?
“Funnycoincidence,”hemurmuredunderhisbreath.“Isitpossible,”hesaid,“thatthecarcould’vebeenriggedsothatthebrakewasreadastheacceleratorbythecomputer?”
Themechanicrepliedwithapositiveanswer,butsaidsheneededmoretimetoinvestigate.“Thecomputer’smemorychipwasseverelydamagedinthecrash—ittookmeclosetotwoweekstoretrievewhatinformationwehaveatpresent.”
“Anythingyoufindout,”Maxsaid,writingdownhiscellcodeforher,“Iwanttoknow.”
Tenminutesandafewmorequestionslater,MaxandSophiaexitedthegarageintothecrispairofSanFrancisco.“Let’swalk.Ineedtothink.”
“Alright.”
Theywerealmostahundredyardsdowntheslightslopebeforehevocalizedhisthoughts.“Humansaren’ttheonlyonesvulnerabletopsychicattack.Ifthecar’ssystemsproveclean,thenAllisonMarceaucould’vebeencoercedtodowhatshedid.”
Sophiarealizedshewaswalkingtooclosetohim,closeenoughtofeeltheroughcaressofhisbodyheat.“Thepsychiccontroloftheaggressorwouldhavetobeconsiderable.”Hisarmbrushedhers,ahard,warmstroke.“MarceauwasaGradient7telepath.”Awarningshriekedinherhead,butshedidn’tmoveaway.“Hershieldswouldhavebeenairtight.”
“Allyouneed,”Maxsaid,hisgazedistant,“isacrack,afissure.”
Herarmburnedwherehe’dtouchedupagainstit,andthoughsheknewitforapsychosomaticreaction,thecontacthavingbeenmutedbythelayersofclothingbetweenthem,sheclungtothesensation.“I’mcertainCouncilorDuncanwould’veweededoutanyonewhoseconditioningwassuspect.”
“Maybe,maybenot.”
“You’rethinkingofSascha,”shesaid,shiftingasingledangerousinchclosertothelivingheatofhim.“Iwouldn’tconsiderthataparallel.”
“No?”Hishairliftedinthebreezeblowingoffthebay,baringtheclean,perfectlinesofhisface.
“Psyarealmostobsessiveaboutbloodlines,”shesaid,herthoughtsburiedinmemoriesofapastthatprovedthetruthofthatassertionbeyondanydoubt.“It’saloyaltyunlikehumanloyalty;nevertheless,itisloyalty.”Comparedtohumanlove,Psyfamilialloyaltywasawintry,practicalthing.Anditwasverymuchconditional.
Sophiahadfailedtomeetthoseconditionsasachild,andithadcostherherparents’allegiance.YetitseemedtohaveheldfortheDuncans,notwithstandingtheverypublicnatureofSaschaDuncan’sdefection.“ItmaybethattheCouncilorprotectedherdaughterbecauseSaschaishergeneticoffspring.”
Maxgaveahumorlesssmile.“Funny—Nikita’saboutthecoldestwomanI’veevermet,butshewasprobablyabettermotherthanmine.”
Itwasanopendoor.Andthelost,painfullylonelypartofherwantedtowalkthroughthatdoorsodesperatelythatshefoundthewords.“Yourmotherwasinadequate?”
“Shehatedme,”hesaid,histoneaustere,asdistantashisexpression.“Trulyhatedme.Idon’tknowwhyshecarriedmetoterm,becauseI’mcertainshewantedtokillmetheinstantIwasborn.”
Sophiatriedtoglimpseinthishard-edgedcopthevulnerablechildhemust’vebeen.Shecouldn’t.Butshedidunderstandatruththat“real”Psyweren’tsupposedtounderstand.“Ithurtyou,”shesaid,attemptingtosaytherightthing,toholdontohistrust.Noonehadeversharedsuchaprivatethingwithheroutofchoice.Itmadeherheartturnoddlyheavy,athickacheinherchest.
“ShediedwhenIwasfifteen.”Wordsthatsoundedcalm,buthisvoicewassandpaperagainstherskin,harsh,rough.“Andthehellofitwas,Imissedher.Eventhoughshe’dgivenmeuptofostercaremorethanonce,treatedmeworsethanyouwouldadogwhenIwashome,Imissedher.”Arushofwindrippledthroughhishairatthatmoment,anditseemedtoactlikeasprayofcoldwater.Heblinked,shookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhyI’mtellingyouthis.”
Shedidn’tknoweither,butshehoardedthememoryinthesecretpartofherthatnoreconditioninghadeverbeenabletoreachorerase.Everythinginherwantedtoreturnhisgiftinkind,totellhimthatshecomprehendedtheagonyhemust’vegonethrough,buttrustwassuchanunfamiliarterritorythatshefloundered,thewordsstuckinherthroat.
AndMaxblewoutabreath.“Mustbetheseaair,bringingupoldmemories.”Heglancedathiswatch.“Lookslikeit’stimefordinner.”
Thedinnerprovedinteresting.Sophia,thisJwhokeptshort-circuitingMax’sdefenseswithhergiftoflisteningwithatotalandabsolutefocus,waslessPsyinhermannerismsthanothershe’dmet,andthoughshewasreserved,shedidjoinintheconversation—dominatedbyClayandTally’stwoadoptedchildren,JonandNoor.
ItmadeMax’sprotectiveinstinctsrelaxtoseethemallsorobustlyhappy.ButwhatintriguedhimmostwasthatSophiaatethesweetcrabfleshheputonherplate—thoughshe’dorderedasimplefilletoffishinwhitesauceforherownmeal.Therewasnothingonherfacetobetraywhetherornotsheenjoyedthetasteofthecrab,butshedidn’trejectanyofhisofferings.Andseveraltimes,hecaughtherlookingathimasifshewantedtospeak,thoseamazingeyesalmostindigo.
He’dglimpsedthatsamelookonherfacewhenhetoldherabouthismother.Thatwasatruthhe’dneversharedwithanyone—thathe’dtoldher,awoman,aPsy,he’dbarelymet,scaredthehelloutofhim.Itwastemptingtopullback,toraiseawallofformalitybetweenthem—heknewshe’dgetthemessage,shewastoosmart,tooperceptivenotto—buthe’dmadeapromise.
Nogames.
And,thefactofthematterwas,herabilitytounsettlehimnotwithstanding,hedidn’twanttokeephisdistancefromSophiaRusso.No,hewantedherfromthelushbeautyofhermouthtotheripecurvesofherhips,totheunadornedhonestythathadslappedhimsidewaysmorethanoncealready.
Ifthiswasobsession,hethoughtastheyexitedtheelevatorandheadeddowntotheirapartmentsafterreturninghome,thensobeit.“Sophia,”hesaid,staringatherglovedhandsand—drivenbythedeterminationhehadtopossessher,holdher,breakthroughtheveilofherSilence—seeingasudden,gapingholeinthewebofherlogic.
“Yes?”Shespokeagainbeforehecouldrespond.“DidyourfriendconfirmwhetherAllisonMarceausaidanythingwhenshewasfound?”
Hehadn’trealizedshe’dpickeduponthatshortconversationhe’dhadwithClaywhenthey’dgoneforawalkalongthepierfollowingdinner.“Hesaidtheboyswhofoundherwereadamantshedidn’tspeak.Nosuspiciousscentsatthesceneeither.”
Takingoutherkeycard,Sophiaunlockedherdoor,themovementafractiontoofast.Max’sinstinctsuncurledinanticipation—shewastryingtogetawayfromhim,whichmeantshealreadyknewwhathe’djustrealized…andshewassensitiveenoughtohismoodsthatshe’dpickedupthetensionthathadturnedhismusclesrigid.
Hetriedtocatchhereye,failed.“Ihaveaquestion.”
Shepushedopenthedoor.“Wecantalktomorrow.Ishouldgetsomerest.”
Maxwasn’tabouttoletherescape.“Haveyouever,”hesaidinalowmurmur,“triedtotouchsomeonewithanaturalmentalshield?”
Sophiafroze.“No,suchpeoplearerare.”Andnoneofthemhadeverbeenright
“HowlonghaveyouknownIhadone?”Adark,intensequestion.
“Fromthestart.”Shewalkedinsidetheapartment,consciousofboththecorridorsurveillanceandthefactthatthepristinesurfaceofherSilencewasbeginningtocracklikesomuchglass.
Maxfollowed,closingthedoorwithamutedsnickthatdidnothingtolessenthetensionthatmadeherchesttight,theairsuddenlytoothin.“Thenwhydidyouletmethinkmyshieldswouldmakenodifference?”
Becauseshe’dbreakifthisfailed,Sophiathought,scrabblingtofindamentalfoothold.Max,withhisintelligence,hissmiles,hiswilltofindthoselostgirls…hewasn’tonlyright,hewastheembodimentofeveryforbiddendreambornintheforevershatteredpartofherpsyche.Thismanwould’vecomeforher—whenshe’dbeenhurtandbleedinginthatcabinwheretheothershaddied,hewouldhavecomeforher.
“Answerthequestion,Sophia.”
Shehadn’trealizedshe’dalreadybecomeusedtohearinghimcallherSophie.Thelossslicedalineofbloodacrosshersoul.“Itwasn’trelevant.”Shehadtofightthispull,hadtokeephimatadistance.Totakethechanceanddestroythatfinalflickeringhope…no,shecouldn’tbearit.“We’recolleagues—touchhasnothingtodowithit.”
“Nowwho’splayinggames?”Asinglecalmsentencethattoreherdefensesapart.
Shelookedup,sawtheembersinthatnear-blackgaze.Andwatchedashewalkedforwarduntiltheywereseparatedbyabarefootofdistance…toholdoutahand,hisjawatautline,challengeineverypartofhim.
Shestaredatthathand.Ifshetookitandhisnaturalshieldwasn’tprotectionenough,Max’smemorieswouldpunchintoherwiththeforceofaragingtornado—andifshesomehowsurvivedtheviciouspowerofthattelepathicblow,she’dknowhimwithouteverknowinghim,allhissecrets,allhisyesterdaysanendlessroarinsideherskull.
“Comeon,Sophie.”Acommandthatvibratedwithmasculineanger…andadarker,richeremotionthatcaressedaburnacrossherskin.“Weneedtoknowtheanswer—anddon’tyoudaretellmeyoudon’tunderstandwhy.”CHAPTER13
Atthatmoment,facedwithaMaxwhowasmakingnoeffortwhatsoevertohidethesteelofhisnature,aMaxwhowasforcinghertoconfrontthetruthofthisstrange,unexpectedsomethingbetweenthem,Sophiadiscoveredshehadanotherflaw—ahithertounknownsusceptibilitytothattoneinhisvoice.“IneedtocheckifIsenseyouthroughtheglove.”Reachingoutbeforethefearcouldtakeover,makeherturnback,shegrazedthetipsofherfingersacrosshispalm.
Hisfingerscurledinwardevenassheretreated—asifhe’dholdher.“So?”Aroughdemandthatrubbedthesandpaperdeeperacrossherskin.
“Isenseonlyyourbodyheat.”Wildandhotandaninvitationthatmadeasumptuouswarmthigniteinherabdomen,thebrokenpartofhercravingmore…andyetutterlyterrifiedattakingthischance.“I’llrecitethealphabet,”shesaid,knowinghewouldn’tallowhertoturnback,wouldn’tallowhertohide.“IfIgoquiet”—shetuggedoffaglove—“breakcontact.”
Maxdroppedhishandwithoutwarning.“Thoseeyes…thethingsIseeinthem.”Alow,harshword.“IpromisedmyselfIwouldn’tpushyou,andwhatthefuckamIdoingbutexactlythat?Jesus.”Heshovedhishandsthroughhishair,hisshoulderstwistingasifhe’dturn,walkaway.
Andsheknewthedecisionwashers.Tohide,topullbackbeforepromiseeverbrokeunderthepressureofreality…ortodefyfearandreachforamanwhomadeherwishforsomethingsoimpossible,itwassurelyalittlepieceofmadness.
“Iwouldknowyou,Max.”Softwordsinavoicethathadalreadybecomeexquisitely,intimatelyfamiliar,gentlebondsthatheldMaxinplace.“Before…Iwouldknowyou.”Closingthedistancebetweenthem,Sophiawaiteduntilheliftedhishand…andthenshestrokedherfingersacrosstheverycenterofhispalm.
ItwasanelectricshockthatwentstraighttoMax’sgut.Hissingoutabreath,hecurledhisfingersintoafistevenasshedroppedherownhandandtookajerkingstepbackward.
“Sophia?”Deep-seatedinstinctshovedathimtogotoher,cupherfaceinhishands.Keepinghimselfinpositionwasthehardestthinghe’deverdone.“Areyouintrouble?”Itsavagedhimthathemighthavehurther.
“No.Iapologize—I’mfine.”Butshewasstaringathishand,aquaverinhervoice.“Ifeltnoneofyourmemories.You’reasblankasapieceofwood.”
Reliefwasafuckingfistinsidehischest.“I’vebeencalledhardheadedbefore,butneverwooden.”
“Ididn’tmeantooffend.”
Itwasoh-so-temptingtotouchhislipstohers,toteaseherbytellingherthatshecouldmakeituptohim,butgiventhewayshewasstandingsostiffandshocked,heknewhe’dhavetowaitforhisfirsttasteofthelushlyenticingSophiaRusso.“Iwasplayingwithyou,Sophie.”
“Oh.”
Heflexedhishand,sawhereyesgotoit.“Youfeltit,too,didn’tyou?”
Shiftingawayinasuddenmovement,shewalkedaroundhimtoopenthedoortoherapartment.“I’llseeyoutomorrow,Max.”
Sophiastoodwithherbacktothedoorshe’dclosedbehindMaxuntilsheheardhisowndooropenandclose.Onlythendidsheslidedownthewalltositwithherlegsstretchedoutinfrontofher,herentirebodybuzzinginawaythatwassimplynotintherealmofherexperience.
Shelookedatherrighthand,runningthepadofherthumboverherfingertipsinabewilderedattempttounderstandthatelectrifyingburstofsensation.Ithadbeen…shehadnowordsforit,nowaytoexplainsomethingsowild,soextremeitdefiedhereffortsatcategorization.
Thetrueparadoxwasthatshehadn’tlied—nomatterthealmostpainfulsensationofthecontact,Maxwasassilenttoherpsychicsensesasapieceofwoodorablockofplascrete.
Silence.
Forthefirsttimeinherlife,thatwordmeantsomethingotherthantheconditioningthathadactedasacageevenasitkeptheralive.Maxhadbeenawallofpuresilence,anunexpectedoasisinaworldfilledwithnoise.Butherresponsetohistouchhadwipedoutthatstartlingpeace.
Shestaredatherhandagain.“Idon’tunderstand.”
Maxknewtheanswer,shethought,she’dseenitonhisface.Butthequestionwas—didshewanttoknowtheanswer?
Atelepathicknocksoundedinhermindtheinstantafterthatthoughtpassedthroughit.RecognizingthesignatureofherbossinJustice,JayKhanna,shepulledtogetherthethreadsofherperfectfacadeandsaid,Sir.Hewouldn’tguessattherealityofhercondition.Nooneelseeverhad.EventheM-Psysawonlythefragmentationofhertelepathicshields—tothem,itwasasimplepsychicissue,nothingtodowiththescarssheworedeepinside,wherenoonecouldseethem.
Ms.Russo,IneedtogooverpartoftheValentinecasewithyou.
Sophiawaited.She’dlongagolearnedhowtoburyhertruethoughts,hertrueself,inordertosurvive.
Accordingtoyournotes,whenyourecoveredMs.Valentine’smemories,yousawherstabherhusbandseventeentimes?
That’scorrect,sir.Ahuman-to-humanspousalmurderwouldn’tnormallyhavemeritedJinvolvement,butMs.Valentinewasthedaughterofaninfluentialindividualwithacontrollinginterestinamajorpowerplant.ValentineSeniorhadusedthesamethingMaxhad—anaturalshield—toruthlessadvantageinbusiness,untilevenPsy“playednice”withhim.
SophiahadoftenwonderedwhytheCouncilhadn’thadhimdiscreetlyassassinated,andcometotheconclusionthatthemaleprovidedundisclosedgoodsorservicesthatwerevaluableenoughtoaffordhimsomeprotection.Humans,drivenandshapedbytheirunpredictableemotionalnatures,oftencameupwithideasandconceptsthatwerestaggeringlyunique.ItwaswhyMaxhadcaughtGerardBonnerwhilethePsyprofilerswerestillarguingaboutthe“psychologicalparameters”thatdefinedthesociopath.
Howmanytimes,JayKhannanowsaid,didyouseeherhusbandabuseherinthedaysleadinguptothemurder?
Sophiabetrayednosurprise—partofherhadbeenexpectingthequestionsincethemomentshemetthearrogantlybeautifulEmilieValentine.None,sir.
Thinkaboutthatcarefully,Ms.Russo.We’llspeakagainbeforethecasegoestotrial.
Lettingtheveiledorderfadefromhermind,SophiaconsideredwhatherresponsewouldbeonJay’snexttelepathicvisit.Theabilityto“bend”memorieswasthemosttightlyguardedsecretoftheJusticeCorps.EveryonethoughtJscouldonlyprojectwhatwasalreadyinadefendant’smind.Inmostcases,yes.
ButtherewasaselectgroupofJswhohadtheabilitytomanipulatememorieswithoutleavingatrace,changingimagesandwords,soundsandactionsuntilasimpletumbledownasetofstairscouldbemadetolooklikeanabusivepush.
Sophiawasoneofthebest,hadbeenbrilliantatitevenasachild.Becauseshe’dspenteverysparemomenthoningtheskill,awarethatthatnascentabilitywasoneofonlytworeasonswhythedecisionmakershadletherliveaftershe’dbeenruinedfromtheinsideout,hermindaplacewherenothingquitemadesenseanymore.
Nobodyeverasked,andshenevertold…butthesplintersinhersoulwerepermanent.She’dneverrecoveredfromtheterror-filleddaysshe’dspenttrappedinthatcabininthemountains,neveragainunderstoodtheworldasshehadbeforetheglasscutherfacetoshreds.
Maxfinallyfellasleeplateintothenight,hisbodystillhummingwithhisviolentresponsetoSophia’sfleetingtouch.Soinasense,he’dexpectedtheintensityofhisdreams…butnottheirsubject.
“Youlittleshit!”Handsshakinghimhard,sohard,asascreamingmouthspewedobscenitiesathim.
Hestoodfrozen,tryingnottocry.Hecouldn’tcry.Thatwouldonlymakehermoremad.
“Justlikeyourfather.”Itwasscreamedintohisface.“Pieceoffilth.”
“I’msorry,”hesaid,andhecouldn’thelpit,hisvoicebroke.
Foraninstant,herfacewentunnaturallycalm.Therewerenomorescreams,nomorepainfulshakes.Shejuststaredathim.
Andheknewthathismotherwantedtosuffocatethelifeoutofhim.
Max’seyessnappedopen,hishandgoingforthestunnerunderhispillow.Ittookhimclosetotwominutestorealizethedangerwasonlyinhishead.She’dalmostkilledhiminthememory,comesoclosethatsweatbrokeoutalonghisspineevennow,hisskintautwithrememberedterror.
Gettingup,hewalkedintothebathroomtothrowcoldwateronhisface.
Itsnappedtheremainingthreadsofthedream,hismindbeginningtofunctionagain.Theconnectionwasindisputable—Sophia,aJ,hadtouchedhim…andhe’dhadadreamfromwhenhe’dbeensmall,sosmallthathecouldn’thavebeenmorethanthreeatthetime.He’dneverbeforerememberedanythingfromthatperiodofhislife.
Theconsequencesoffurthercontactdidn’tescapehim—butwhenitcametoSophiaRusso,Maxhadnointentionofretreating.
MaxinvitedSophiaintotheprivacyofhisapartmentthenextmorningwhenshecametomeethimforthedrivetoNikita’soffice.Shadowsbruisedtheskinbeneathhereyes,herbonescuttingbladesagainstthatnormallylushskin.“Toughnight?”hemurmured.
“Ishouldknowbetterthananyonethatmemoriesarenevergone,”shesaidinanechoofhisownthoughts,“butevenI,itseems,havesomedelusionsleft.”
Raisinghishandwithaslownessthatgaveherplentyofwarning,hebegantoplaywithalockofherhair.Shewentpreternaturallystill,butshedidn’tstophim.“Memoriesaren’talwaysvicious,”hesaid,speakingtobothofthem.“I’llrememberthesoftnessofyourhaireachtimeIsmellyourshampoo.Let’ssee,vanillaand”—hepaused,tookalong,indulgentbreath—“belowit,somekindofaflower?”
Tohissurprise,sheanswered.“Lavendersoap.Iuseitonmybody.”Thensheliftedherownhand,hesitated.
Hebenthisheadininvitation,hisheartkickingagainsthisribs.Slow,Max,heorderedhimself,takeitfuckingslow.Hewaitedforherfingertipstostrokethroughhishair,howevershetouchednothishair…buthislips.
Hecouldn’tcontroltheshudderthatrippledthroughhim.Theleather-synthofherglovewaswarmwithherbodyheat,thepressuresoslightastobenonexistent—butitheldhimcaptive,slavetoherdesires.
“This,”shewhispered,tracingtheshapeofhismouth,“willbeagoodmemory.”
Itwastemptingtosurrendertothepleasure,butshe’dcometohimwithnightmaresinhereyes.“Tellmeaboutyourdreams.”
“Yousaidyourmotherhatedyou,”shesaid,theharshnessofthewordsnullifiedbythedelicatewayshestrokedoverhislowerlip,asiffascinatedbythefeelofhim.“Minerejectedmeasabsolutely.”
Thehungertoholdherstrainedateveryoneofhismuscles,thebutterflyflirtationofhertouchfueltohisinstincts.“Why?”Thecopinhimsaidthiswasimportant,thatitheldthekeytounderstandingher.
“Iwasimperfect.”Droppingherhand,shetookastepback.“WeshouldbeginthedrivetoNikita’s.”
Imperfect.Angerburnedasteelflameinsidehim,butheangledhisheadinacquiescence,nottrustinghimselftostopwithasimplecomfortingtouch—notwhenhewantedtocrushhertohim,teachherthathesawherasanythingbutimperfect.
Neitherofthemspokeagainuntiltheywereinthecarandontheroad.“MyknowledgeofNikitaisbasedonwhatI’veseeninthemedia,”hesaidastheymergedintothemorningtraffic.“Shecomesacrossasintelligent,acut-throatbusinesswoman.”
“Iagree.”SophiafelthermusclesrelaxattherealizationthatMaxdidn’tintendtopresshertotakethenextstepinthisunforeseen,unpredictabledance.Thepartofherthathadbeenwaitingforhimforabroken,tormentedeternitywantedtorush,torace,butthesimplefactwas,shedidn’thavethecapacitytoprocessanythingmorethanwhatthey’dalreadydone.Notyet.“Nikitaalsoseemstobeoneofthefewhigh-levelPsywhothinksintrulyglobalterms—sheis,asfarasIknow,thesolitaryCouncilorwhohassuchclosetieswithachangelinggroup.”
“IheardthatAnthonyKyriakusisstillsubcontractingforeseeingworkouttohisdaughter,Faith.”
Sophianodded,havingfollowedthenewsofFaithNightStar’sdefection.ForeseerswererumoredtobeevenmorementallyunstablethanJs—andyetFaithhadsurvived.ThoughSophiahadalwaysknownthatanysuchdefectionwasoutofthequestionforher,hermindwoveninextricablyintothefabricoftheNet,FaithNightStar’ssurvivalhadseemedavictoryforallofthemwhowerelabeledmadandhadtheirliveserasedfromexistence.
“Yes,”shesaidinresponsetoMax’squestion.“Anthonyisalsoinvolvedwiththechangelings,butaccordingtomyresearch,NikitawastheonewhotookthefirststepintosuchanarrangementwhensheformedabusinessalliancewithDarkRiver’sconstructionarm.”
Maxswitchedlanes,hisbrowfurrowedinthought.“Couldbesomethingthere,”hemurmured,andshecouldalmosthearhisbrainworking,makingconnectionswithaspeedthatmanyPsy,certainofthesuperiorityoftheirmentalabilities,wouldfindextraordinary.“Anymoredetailsontheconstructiondeals?”
Forcingherselftolookawayfromthecleanlinesofhisprofile,thesleekstrandsofblackhairthatglimmeredwithhiddenredhighlightsindirectsunlight,Sophiacheckedherdata.“ItlookslikeherfirmisgainingchangelinghousingcontractsnotonlyintheU.S.,butalsointernationally.Themurdersmaybemotivatedbyprofessionalrivalry.”
“Itwouldfit.”Maxtappedafingeronthesteeringwheel.“Eachofthevictimsdiedonthevergeofamajordeal.”
Surprised,Sophiaquicklyskimmedthroughtherelevantpartsofthefileandrealizedhewasright.“Allthreewerelinchpins,bringingsomethinguniquetothetable,”shesaidoutloud.“Theirdeathsderailedtheentireprocessineachcase.”
“Nothingobviousconnectsthethreedeals,”Maxsaid.“Weneedtofindoutifthere’salinkbeneaththesurface,ifoneparticularcompetitorbenefitswithNikitaeffectivelyoutoftherun—”Abeepinginterruptedhiswords.“That’smycell.”Henoddedatwhereitsatintheholderonthedash.“Canyoucheckthecaller’sname?”
“Ofcourse.”Pickingitup,sheglancedattheID…andfelthermindgoquiet,cold,theothernessstirringtolife.“Itistheprosecutor,Mr.Reuben.”CHAPTER14
Icanonlyshowyouwhatthedefendantdidinthatroomtenmonthsago.ToaskmewhetherornotheisamonsteristopresumeIhaveanintimateknowledgeofmonsters.
—ResponsebySophiaRusso(J)toaquestionposedbytheprosecutionincase23180:StateofNebraskavDonnelly
Mouthagrimline,Maxbroughtthevehicletoastopinthehalf-emptycarparkofarestaurantthathadn’tyetopened.
Listeningtohisendoftheconversation,she’ddivinedthereasonforthecallbythetimehehungup.“Bonnerwantstotalktomeagain.”Thethoughtoftrawlingthroughthatmindfullofmalicemadeherentirebodystiffeninrevulsion.
Bettertokillhim.
Becausehemightjustbethefinalweight,theonethatwouldcausehershieldstoshredbeyondanyhopeofrepair.AndSophiawasn’treadytohaveherbraincrushed,herpsyche,herpersonality,wipedfromexistence.Notwhenshe’djustfoundMax,foundthismanwhomadethecold,darkplacesfillwithlight.Clenchingherfingersonherorganizer,shefoughtpastthewhispersofvengeancethatseemedtooriginateinthedarktendrilssnakingthroughhermindandsoothedtheothernessbacktosleep.
“Bastardsayshe’sgotsomethingtoshare,somememoryhe’sapparentlybeenabletodigup.”Maxbracedhisarmonthebackofherseat,playingwithastrandofherhairashe’ddoneintheapartment.
Shedidn’tpullaway.Theyhadtrustbetweenthemnow,afragilethingbornintheelectricalstormoftheirfirstrealtouch.“Isuggestthatthisonetime,welethimplayhisgames.”Nomatterherhungertolive,tostealandclaweveryextradayshecouldoutofthislife,shecouldn’twalkawayfromBonner’sevil.Notwhenthecostofprotectingherselfwouldbetoabandonthoselostgirls,leavethemburiedandforgotteninthedark.Nooneshouldbeforgotten.Noone.
“Ifweplayitright,”shesaid,rememberingthreeotheryounglivesthathadbeenwillfullyerasedfromeverymindbutherown,“it’llonlyincreasehisfrustration,makehimmoremalleable.”
Max’seyesfilledwithraw,edgyemotionsshe’dnevergetthechancetostudy,totrulyknow.Notinthislifetime.Sosheasked,“Whatareyouthinking?”
“Thatit’sapitytortureisillegal.”Avisceralangerineveryworld.“We’llsetupacomm-conference.We’renottraipsinguptohimsohecanhaveaconvenientmemorylapse.”
“Thecommsystemsatourapartmentwon’thavethenecessaryencryption.”Sophia’sownangerwasacolderthing,athingthatsawnothingwrongintakinganeyeforaneye,alifeforalife.“WecouldaskEnforcementiftheyhaveasecurelink.”
“TheirsystemwasprettygoodlasttimeIwashere.”Releasingherhairwithalittletugthatmadeherscalppricklewithsensation,theicethawinginaflareofwhite-hotheat,herubbedathisjaw.“Buttheyhaveleaks.”
“ThereareleaksineveryEnforcementbuilding.”Facilitated,inmostcases,bythePsy.
“IthinkIknowsomeoneelsewho’llhaveasecurelink.”
Soitwasthathalfanhourlater,Sophiawasusheredintoasmallconferenceroominthemedium-sizedofficebuildingthatwastheDarkRiverleopardpack’scityHQ.“They’renotworried?”sheaskedaftertheirescort—anauburn-hairedyoungmale—withdrewfromtheconferenceroom.“ThechangelingdistrustofPsyiswell-known.”
“Thisiswherethecatsdobusiness,”Maxreplied,settingupthecomm-conferenceusingthetouchpads.“SomeofthatbusinessiswithPsy.Anddon’tforget—DarkRiverhasseveralPsydefectorsinitsranks.”
“Thisbuildingisfullofchangelings.”Thestatementoftheobviousslippedout.
Maxturnedtopinhertothespotwithhiseyes.“Areyouhavingtrouble?”
“No.”Shetuggedherglovesmoresecurelyoverherwristsandsnuglybelowthecuffsofherwhiteshirt,theactionmoreof…comfort,thannecessity.“Changelingsareactuallyrestful.”
Araisedeyebrow,thosesolidshouldersrelaxingashereturnedhisattentiontothecommcontrols.“Notmanypeoplewoulddescribethemthatway.Theytendtohavethiswildenergybelowthehumansurface.”
Shewantedtopointoutthatheburnedwiththatsamewildenergy—thoughinhiscase,itwascontainedsowell,mostpeoplewouldneverguessatit.Allthosewomenwhowantedtoownhim,shethought,theydidn’tunderstandwhatitwastheydaredattempttoharness.Butsheknew.Andshewonderedwhatitwouldbeliketostrokethatsleeklymuscularbodywithherbarehands.
Helookedup,caughtherwatchinghim.“Whenwe’realone.”Atease…andawarning.
Closingherhandoverthearmofherchair,shejerkedawayherhead.“Changelingsallhavenaturalmentalshields.”
“Sowhyareyoutenseenoughtosnap?”
Itwasimpossiblenottoglancebackathim,towatchhimasherecheckedtheencryption,linesofconcentrationacrosshisbrow.Atthatmoment,theleashslippedfree,thereinsbroke,andeverythingdisappearedbutthepromiseandthedangerthatwasDetectiveMaxShannon—shewantedtotouchtheskinexposedathisnape,wantedtoknowifitwassoftorrough,wantedtostripoffhisshirtandrubherlipsoverthemusclesthatshiftedbeneaththathoney-coloredskin,wantedtostrokeandknowandpossess.Shesimplywanted.“Changelingsliketotouch.”Itcameoutsoft,husky.
Max’sshouldersgrewtight,buthedidn’tturn.“IaskedClayaboutthatwhileyouwereinthebathroomjustbefore.Theydon’tpresumeskinprivileges,soyou’resafe.”
“Skinprivileges.”Shetestedtheunfamiliarterm,gleaningitsmeaningfromthecontext.“Andyou,Max?”Thoughttranslatedintowordssofast,shehadnochance—orwill—toholdthemback.“Areyoueasywithskinprivileges?”
Maxmovedtobracehishandsonthebackofherchair,leaningdownuntilhislipsthreatenedtobrushthetipofherear.“Itdependsonwho’sasking.”Thescentofhimsurroundedherasheplacedhishandsonthetableoneithersideofher.Asensualtrap.“Butifyou’retalkingaboutacertainJ,well,forher,Imightbevery,veryeasy.”
AtightkindofheatbloomedinSophia’sstomach,astrangefirethatburnedeventhedarkest,mostsecretpartofher.“Max.”Shedidn’tknowwhatshewasaskingfor,herheartbeatanerratictattooagainstherribs.
Maxpushedoffthetablewithagroan.“Wecan’tdothishere.It’salmosttimefortheconference.”Alighttouchonhershoulder,holdingaprotectivenessthatshookher,disarmedher.“Youready,Sophie?”
Hisvoice,hispresence,hiswillingnesstobehershield…itshookher,butshenodded.“Yes.”Thishadtobedone—thosegirlshadtobebroughthome
EvenaPsywithoutanyfamilyofherownunderstoodtheimportanceofchildren,thetiesofblood.ToloseachildintheNetwastolosenotonlyyourimmortality,butalsoyourchancetogaintheunqualifiedloyaltyofatleastoneindividual.Unless,ofcourse,youwereyoungenoughtosireorcarryotherprogeny.
Sophia’sparentshadbeenintheirearlythirtiesthesummersheturnedeightandeverythingfractured.They’dgoneontohavetwomorechildren—bothwitheachother.Theirgenes,afterall,hadalreadyprovedacomplimentaryset.Hersiblings,too,werehigh-Gradienttelepaths.Notasstrongasher.Buttheyweren’tbroken.
BartholomewReuben’sfaceappearedonscreenatthatmoment,slicingawaytheheartpainofthepastwiththesadisticevilofthepresent.“Max,Ms.Russo,goodtoseeyou.You’llbetransferredtoBonnerinafewseconds.”
“Youflewthere,Bart?”Maxasked.“Wasteoftime.”
“No,I’minanotherprison.”Theprosecutor’slipscurvedinahumorlesssmile.“Bonner’snotgoingtobepleasedwedidn’tallstartrunningwhenhesaidfetch.”
Awarningcountdownappearedinthecornerofthescreen.
Ten.
Maxsnorted.“I’mnotexactlyworriedaboutpleasingthebastard.”
Nine.
“I’llbehookedintothecomm-conference—”
Eight.
“—butBonnerwillseeonlyMs.Russo.”
Seven.
Thescrapeofachair.
Six.
“I’llmovealittle,”Maxsaid,“makesureI’moutoftheshot.”
Five.
“Yougood,Sophie?”
Sophie.Tendernessinthewayhesaidthatname,makingitsomethingspecialbetweenthem,agift.
Four.
“Yes.”Sheheldhisgifttighttoherheart.
Three.
“Instantyouwantout—”
Two.
“—saytheword.”
One.
Reuben’sfacedisappeared,tobereplacedbythegildedblondlooksofakillersovicious,thetabloidshadfoughttotellhisstory.Hewasamegastarintheshadowyunderworldofserial-killergroupies,his“authorizedbiography”readwithreligiousfervor.Shewonderedhowmanyofhisfansrealizedthebookwasmostlyfiction.
Bonnerwasincapableoftruth.
“Ms.Russo.”Thatcharmingsmile,buttherewasanedgetoit.“Iwassolookingforwardtoseeingyouinperson.”
“Thatwouldhavebeenaninefficientuseofmytime,”shereplied,keepingherhandslooselyinherlap.
“Buthowwillyoutakemymemoriesifyouaren’tnearby?”Aslowraisingofhisshoulders.“I’mafraidmymindisn’tcooperatingwithmyneedtoshare.”Deepblueeyesfilledwithruefullaughter,thecharmingapologyofamanwho’ddonesomethingalittlenaughty.
Itwould,Sophiathought,besoeasytokillhim.She’djusthavetobeinthegeneralvicinity.Hertelepathicreachwaslongenough—shecouldmakehimsuffocatehimselfwithapillow,maybebeathisskullagainstawalluntilpiecesofbonepiercedhisbrain.Theterrorwouldmakehimmindless.
Ataponthetabletoherleft.
Max.Thereminderofthegiftshe’dbeenhanded,thegiftshewasdeterminednottolose,madehersnapbacktoattention,theothernessretreatinginthefaceofherresolve.“Theprisonofficialsstatedthatyou’drememberedaplacewe’dbeveryinterestedtolearnabout.”
Bonnerdisplayedhisteethinasmilethatcould’vegracedatoothpastecommercial.Buthiseyes.Reptilianeyes.She’dseeneyeslikethatbefore—onthepowerfulintheNet,menandwomenforwhomthesanctityoflifemeantlessthannothing.
Themanwho’ddoneherlastchildhoodevaluation—makingthefinalcallonwhethershewasusefulenoughtobesavedorshouldbeputdown—hadhadeyesliketheButcherofParkAvenue.“Mr.Bonner?”shepromptedwhenthekillerdidn’treply.
“Thememoryseemstohavefadedaway.”Adisappointedsigh.“Iknowithadsomethingtodowithtrees,but…”Anothershrug.“Maybeifyoucamehere,usedyourabilitiestojogmyrecall…”
“Itseemseventhiswasawasteoftime.”Glancingtoherleft,shegaveacurtnod.“Cuttheconnection.”
Bonner’sfacetwistedtorevealthemonsterwithinforoneviolentsecond.“Ms.Russo,Idon’tthinkyourealiz—”Theemptyslateofablankscreen.
“Iwanttokillhimwithmybarehands,”Maxsaidinavoicesocalmitmadeeverysinglehaironthebackofherneckriseinwarning.“It’snotaneedforjusticeoranythingpure.Iwantvengeance.Iwanthimtosufferasthosewomen—thosegirls—suffered.”
“Weallhavethecapacitytokill,”Sophiasaid,tellingherselftostop,butunabletokeepquiet—sheneededtoknowwhathethoughtofthebrokenpartofherthatknewonlythemostlethalkindofjustice.Ifhewasgoingtorejecther,betterthatitbenow,whenshe’donlytouchedthewildheatofhimonce,whenshe’djustbeguntolearnhim…whenshemightsurvivethedenunciation.“Thelinesaresimplydifferentforeveryone.”
Max’seyesmethers,piercingintheirintensity.“Andyoursinvolvechildren.Sometimeswomen,butmostoften,children.”
Sophiaswallowed,uncertainhowtoanswer,uncertainhowtoreadhisanswer.
BartholomewReuben’sfacereappearedonthecommscreenatthatmoment.“He’spissed.Neversawthatuglyfaceofhisuntiltoday.”
“Notevenattrial?”Sophiaasked,herconfusedterrortranslatingintoarigidcomposure.
“Coolasacucumber,thatone,”Reubensaid.“Smiledatthejurors,flirtedwiththegallery.Ifwehadn’thadairtightevidence,hemightwellhavecharmedhimselfoutofaconviction.”Asmallpause.“Pleasebecareful,Ms.Russo.Bonnerisunderconstantsupervision,buthedoeshaverabidfans.Ifhemanagestogetoutamessagetooneofthem,youcouldbeindanger.”
“Don’tworry,Mr.Reuben.”Sophiatookthesmall,foldednoteMaxpassedherunderthetable.“Rightnow,heneedsmealive.Hewantstoawemewithhisbrilliance.”Afterthat…
MaxfelthisgutgrowpainfullytightashethoughtbacktotheexpressiononSophia’sfacebeforeBartsignedoff.He’dknownexactlywhatshewasconsidering,hiscomplex,dangerousJ,knew,too,thathecouldn’tletherdoit.ButtheyweregeographicallyfarenoughfromBonnerrightnowthatSophia’stendencytohurtnastypeopleincreativewayswassomethinghehadtimetodealwith.
Heknewitwouldn’tbeeasy.Notwhenheractions—andthecrimesofthoseshe’dpunishedinthatpeculiarlyJway—alladdeduptoapastthatspokeofabrutalkindofhurt.Thosescars,hethought,wereinvisible.Buttheywerefarmoreimportantthanthethinlinesthatmarkedherface.
“Max,”shemutteredunderherbreathastheyheadeduptoNikita’soffice.
Heknewwhyshewasgivinghimthatperplexedlook—anditsoothedhimtoknowtheployhadworked,drawingherbackfromtheedgeofthevoid.“Hmm?”
“Youcan’twritemenoteslikethat.”Itwasahissedorderastheelevatordoorsopenedonthecorrectlevel.“Whatifsomeonehadseen?”
Maxshotheraninnocentlook.“Ijustaskedasimplequestion.”
“Whatdoyouthinkofboardroomsex?”Araisedeyebrow.“Thatisnot—”
“Well,sinceyouasked,”heinterrupted,walkingintotheoutersectionofNikita’soffice,“Ivoteinfavor.”
Atthatmoment,hisentirebeingfilledwiththesensualdelightthatcamefromteasingSophia,Maxhadnoideaofthebloodyconsequencesthatwouldresultfromthismeeting.CHAPTER15
Somewomenarenotmeanttobemothers.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon
CouncilorNikitaDuncan,hethoughtastheyenteredherprivateoffice,wasabeautifulwoman.Ifyoulikedbeautycutinice.Perfect.Distant.Cold.Accordingtopublicrecords,shewaspartJapanese,partRussian.Thatexplainedthecombinationofhighcheekbones,almond-shapedeyes,above-averageheight.She’dpassedontheheighttoherdaughter,butfromtheimagesMaxhadseen,Sascha’sblackhaircurledratherthanranaslickdarkrain,herskinawarmgoldenbrowntoNikita’sflawlessivory.
“DetectiveShannon,Ms.Russo.”Shegesturedforthemtotakethechairsinfrontofherdesk.
“Actually,Councilor,”Maxsaid,“Ithinkbetteronmyfeet.”Walkingtothehugeplate-glasswindowthatwasthebackwallofheroffice,helookeddownintotheactivebuzzofSanFranciscoandplayedahunch.“Ineedyoutosharetheinformationyou’vewithheld.”
HefeltSophia’seyesonhisback,andhaditbeenanyotherwoman,he’dhavebeenpreparedtogetaroyalreaminglateronforspringingthisonher.ButSophiawasunlikeanyonehe’deverbeforemet.Hehadnoideahowshe’dreact—andthatbothdelightedhimandfrustratedhim.
“Itwould,”Nikitaanswered,“beillogicalofmetoconcealinformationwhenI’mtheonewhorequestedthisinvestigation.”
Maxturnedenoughthathecouldmeetthosecoolbrowneyes.“Threedeaths—onecaraccidentthatyouweren’tsurewassuspicious,onesuicidethatcould’vebeencausedbymentalillness,oneheartattack—that’snotenoughforyoutopullinanoutsider.”Ahuman.
Nikitastaredathim,alethaladversaryforallthatsheworeacrispskirtandshirt,hermakeupprofessional,herhairperfect.“It’sgratifying,”shesaidintothesilence,“toknowthatyouhavetheintelligencetogetthistaskdone.”Withthat,shetappedsomethingonherdesk—Maxguessedshe’dactivatedsomekindofanauralshieldasadefenseagainsthigh-techspies.“Therewasanattemptonmylifeapproximatelyfourmonthsago.”
“Iheardrumors.SomethingtodowiththeHumanAlliance?”hesaid,referringtothemostpowerfulhumanorganizationontheplanet.Onthesurface,itwasallaboutbusiness,butwordwas,theAlliancehadastrongparamilitaryarm.
Nikitagavearegalnodinresponsetohisquestion.“TheyplacedanexplosivedeviceintheelevatorIusetoaccessthisofficeandmypenthouse,theirapparentplanbeingtodetonatethechargewhileIwasinside.”
“Theyhookedintoyoursurveillancesystem?”Maxasked,supremelyconsciousofSophia’ssilentpresence,thoughhiseyesremainedonNikita.
“Yes.”Nikitarosefromherchairand,usingathinsilverremote,activatedacommpanelonwhathadappearedtobeablankwall.
TheboyinMaxwasintriguedenoughtohavehimwalkingover.“Thisisn’tonthemarketyet.”
“Ipurchasedasmallcompanylastyear—theirengineersarebrilliant,butit’sthedesignerswhohaveproventrulyexceptional.”
Anotherclickinthebackofhismind,anotherpieceofthepuzzlecomingintoview.“Ahumancompany?”HecaughtahintofvanillaandlavenderasSophiamovedtostandonNikita’sotherside,andthescentwasaslowstrokeacrosshissenses,asensualreminderthathisbodyhadchosenthiswomanandhadnointentionofchangingitsmind.
“Yes,”Nikitasaid.Then,usingthecommandpadonthesideofthescreen,shebroughtupathree-dimensionalmodeloftheDuncanhigh-rise,drillingdownuntiltheywerestaringatacrosssectionoftherelevantelevatorshaft.“Accesstothiselevatorisdifficultbutnotimpossible.However,accesstotheshaftitselfisstrictlycontrolled—computronicsecurity,twenty-four-hoursurveillance.”
“Emergencyhatchintheelevator?”Maxasked.
“Soundsanimmediatealarmifit’ssomuchastouched.”
MaxunderstoodtheimportofherstatementwhensheusedaredXtomarktheplacewherethechargehadbeenlaid.
Abovetheelevator.
Mindbeginningtohumwiththeexhilarationthatcamefromknowingacasewasstartingtotakeshape,hetappedthescreen,rotatingtheimageuntilhecould’vedrawnitfrommemory.“Someoneinsidehadtohaveeithergreasedthewheelsforthesaboteursordonethejobhimself.”Andthetwo,hethought,weren’tnecessarilyconnected.Asmartmanmight’vebecomeawareoftheAlliance’splans,usedthemtofurtherhisownagenda.“Surveillancefootage?”
“BythetimeIrealizedthesignificanceofwherethechargehadbeenplaced,thatfootagewasgone,erased.”
Sophiastirred,bringingupsomethingonherorganizer.“Thelistofthosewiththesecurityclearancetosuccessfullyexecutesuchanerasureisveryshortandincludeseveryindividualinyourinnercircle.”
“Precisely,Ms.Russo.”
“Idon’tseemtohavethenameofyoursecuritychief.”
“He’sdead.”Briskwordscoatedinfrost.“Hewaskilledinanaccidentalfallthreeweeksbeforetheassassinationattempt.”
Maxfoldedhisarms,hisguttight.“Hewasthefirstvictim.”
“Yes,I’vecometobelieveso.”
Sophialookedupfromherorganizer.“Youhaven’thiredareplacement.”
“No—Ihaven’tfoundtherightcandidate.Theassistantchiefisdoinganunobjectionablejobatpresent.”
MaxstaredattheimageoftheDuncanbuilding,buthewasn’treallyseeingit.Therewasdedicationhere,hethought,along-termcommitmentthathadtorisefromaveryspecificmotive—andwhateverthatmotivewas,itwasaboutmorethanthethrillofmurder.“You’retellingme,”hesaidtoNikita,“thatyounolongertrustanyoneinyourinnercircle.”
“No.I—”Shecutherselfoffasherphonebegantobeep.“Itmustbesomethingcritical.Iorderednointerruptions.”Pickingupthehandset,shesaid,“Yes?”
MaxglancedatSophia,caughtbythewayasuddensliverofsunlightglimmeredofftherichebonysilkofherhair.Hecouldplaywiththesoftstrandsforhours,intendedtodoexactlythatoncehe’dcoaxedhisJintobed.
“Don’tdisturbanything.Don’tenter.”
Nikita’swordshadhisattentionwhiplashingbacktoher.“Whatisit?”
Shehungup.“Itseemsyouwillnolongerhavetosatisfyyourselfwithcoldcasedata.Myinternationalfinancialadvisor,EdwardChan,hasjustbeenfounddead.”
Thistime,Maxthought,therewasnoquestionofitbeingmurder.Eitherthepeoplebehindtheactsweregettingimpatient,orthiswasamessage.“Sophia,yourecording?”
“Yes.”She’dclippedasmallwirelesscameraoverherear,curvingthelensinfrontofherlefteye.“Go.”
Havingbarredanyoneelsefromentering,Maxtookhistimelookingoverthescene,whichhappenedtobeonthesecond-highestflooroftheDuncanbuilding,rightbelowNikita’spenthouse.Themurderedmanlayontheotherwiseundisturbedbed,hislegshangingovertheside.Hispantswereslategray,hisbeltsedateblackleather,hiswhiteshirtstainedlikeaRorschachpaintinginred.
“Nobruises,nodefensivemarksonhishands.”Theonlyevidenceofviolencewasthebowieknifethrusthiltdeepinhissternum—solid,thick,andMaxguessed,withawickedcurvededge.Thekindofknifeyoumightusetobringdowngameorskinthepeltoffadownedanimal.“Lookslikeasingleblow,directlytotheheart.”
Sophiacontinuedtofilmastheyspoke.“Eitherthevictimallowedhisattackerclose,orthekillerusedTktopunchthebladehome.”
“Tk—telekinesis?”Thatwouldexplainhowtheknifehadendedupburiedsodeep—thoughaburstofcoldragemightwellhavesufficedtogivethekillerenoughstrength.
“Yes.I’llgothroughthepersonnelfiles”—Sophiamovedtohisleft,capturingimagesofthebodyfromeveryangle—“findouthowmanytelekineticstheCouncilorhasinherorganization.”
“NikitasaidChangotinfromCairolastnight,”Maxmurmured,“butthathehadanumberofinformalmeetingsscheduledhereinhishomeofficethismorning.”WhichmeantsomeonehadknownhisschedulewellenoughtotimethemurderwhenChanwould’vebeenaloneandvulnerable.
Assheshiftedpositionagain,thecleanpurityofSophia’sscentsweptoverhim,providingamuch-neededantidotetotheuglinessofdeath.Psy,human,orchangeling,Maxthought,murderalwayshadthesameputridstench.Andthedeadalwaysscreamedforthesamejustice.EdwardChanwasoneofMax’snow,justlikeeverysingleoneofBonner’slostvictims.
“Itwasanindividualhetrusted,”Sophiasaid.“That’stheonlywayatelepathofhisstrength—8ontheGradient—could’vebeentakenbysurprise.”
RaisinghisgazefromEdwardChan’scoldflesh,Maxputhishandsonhiships,pushingbackhisjacket.“Oneproblemthough—eventhemostperfectlyaimedstabwoundwouldn’thavecauseddeathinstantaneouslyandatelepathcouldgetoutanemergencymessagewithinseconds,ifnotless.”UnlikewiththeValescene,everythingheresuggestedaquick,brutaloperation.Notimetodrugthevictimintocompliance.“Whydidn’thecallforhelp?”
“Turnhisheadafraction.”
“What’reyoulookingfor?”Hesawnothingremarkableexceptforacoupleofdropletsofbloodbelowthe—Damn.“Telepathicblow.”
“Ifsomeonehithimwithahardenoughoneatthesameinstantthathewasstabbed,whilehisattentionwassplinteredbyshock,itwould’vetornthroughhisshields,destroyedhismind.”
“Cold,calculated.”Aone-twohittoensuresuccess.
“Max.”Sophia’svoicewasalmostsoundless.
Spinepricklingwithawareness,hefollowedhergazetothebathroommirror—justbarelyvisiblethroughthehalf-opendoorontheothersideofthebedroom.
Thesinglewordwaswritteninbloodthathaddrippedontothewhiteporcelainofthesink.Buttheaccusationwasstillverylegible.
Traitor.CHAPTER16
Thespaceforyourfather’snameisblankinourrecords.Suchanactionispermittedinsomelimitedcircumstances,butthecausemustalwaysbenoted.Thereisnosuchnoteonyourfile.Weapologizefortheerror.
—OfficeofBirthsandDeaths:CityofNewYork,toMaxShannon,June2079
NikitahandedMaxadatacrystalassoonastheyreturnedtoheroffice.“I’vedownloadedthesecurityfootageforyou—itcoverstheperiodsinceEdward’sreturnfromCairo.”
Maxslippeditintohispocket.“Areprivatecommconversationsbackeduponyourmainservers?Thekillerdroppedacorrosiveacidinthecomputronic‘brain’ofthesysteminthevictim’sroom.”Andthey’dfoundneitheracellphone,noranorganizer.
“Edward’sentirefilewaswipedusinghisownsecurityoverride,”Nikitasaid,thewordssuccinct.“Themurderermust’vetornitfromhismind.”
Thecallousnatureofitallmight’veshockedothermen,butMaxknewthatnomattertherace,somewerealwaysbornwithacapacityforevil.“Wethoughtwemighthaveapatternofdeaths—eachofyourotheradvisorswashitbeforeamajordeal.DoesChanfit?”
Nikitawasshakingherheadbeforehefinishedspeaking.“Edwardhadalotofthingsinplaybutnothingclosetocompletion.”
Frustratedatthesuddenendtothatlineofinquiry,Maxfocusedonanother.“Sophiasaysthevictimwashighprofileenoughthathewasknownoutsidebusinesscircles?”
Aquicknodthatsentherglossyhairswinging.“Itwaspartofhisjobdescriptiontowineanddinehumanandchangelingbusinessmenandwomen.Asaresult,heoccasionallyfoundhimselfinthesocietypages.”
MaxfeltSophiaglanceathimwiththoseamazing,perceptiveeyes,knewshe’dmadethesamecognitiveleaphehad.“Woulditbefairtosayhe’dmadesomepersonalconnectionswithinthosegroups?”
Nikitatookamomenttothinkaboutit.“Notinthehumanorchangelingsense.However,certainindividualshadcometohaveameasureoftrustinhimbecauseofasharedhistoryofsuccessfuldeals.”
“Anunquantifiableloss,”Sophiasaid.“Onethatyouwillfeeltheeffectofforsometime.”
“Yes.”NikitalookedatSophiaforalong,quietmomentbeforereturningherattentiontoMax.“I’mbeginningtoseethepatternitappearsyoualreadyhave,Detective.”
“Somynextquestionwon’tcomeasasurprise—whodoesn’tlikeyougettingintobedwiththeotherraces?”EdwardChan,Maxwascertain,hadonlybeenconsideredatraitorbyassociation.ItwasCouncilorNikitaDuncanwhowasthekey.
“That,”Nikitasaid,“issomethingI’llhavetothinkabout.”
Sophiaspokeintothesmallpause.“I’veheardrumorsofagroupcalledPurePsy—themembersseemtobelievethatcontactwiththeotherracesistaintingthepurityofourSilence.”
“Yes.They’vebeguntogainameasureofsupportintheNet.”Nikitareturnedtoherdesk.“IhavesomeadditionaldataonthemthatI’msendingyounow—pleasebriefthedetective,Ms.Russo.”
Itwasadismissalfromawomanwhowasusedtoobedience,butMaxwasn’tfinished.“Whoever’sbehindthis,heorsheisgettingbolder—they’regoingtocomedirectlyafteryousoonerratherthanlater.”
“I’mprotected.That’swhyEdwardandtheothersaredead—theassassinwentforthenextbestthing.”Arazorofaglance.“You’ddowelltoprotectyourself.Youare,afterall,onlyhuman.”
Sophiadidn’tsayanythingtoMaxuntiltheywereinthecarheadingoutfromtheDuncanbuilding.“Doesitbotheryou?”
“What?”
“Beingthoughtofaslessbecauseofyourhumanity?”Itbotheredheragreatdeal.Maxwasworthfarmorethananyothermanshe’devermet.
Butheshookhishead,hislipscurvedinadistinctlysatisfiedsmile.“Nikitafelttheneedtopointoutmyhumanitybecauseshe’sbeenforcedintoapositionwhereshehastorelyonameaslyhuman.Thathastobite.”
“It’sanirony,isitnot?”Sophiamurmured,thinkingofconnections,ofmothersandfathers.“She’soneofthemostpowerfulpeopleintheworld,hernetworthinthebillions—andyetshedoesn’thaveasinglepersoninherlifewhomshecantrustnottothrustaknifeintoherback.”
“Shemadeherchoices.”Maxhadnosympathyforawomanwho’ddisownedherchild.HeknewexactlyhowbadthathadtohavehurtSascha.
WhenSophiadidn’tsayanything,heglancedather.“Whataboutyou,Sophie?Whodoyoutrust?”
Heranswerrockedthroughhim.“You’retheonlypersonI’veevertoldofmyparents’rejectionofme.”
“Strange,isn’tit?”Hisvoicecameoutharsh,rawwithemotion.
“What?”
“ThatthetwopeopleNikitachosetoworkthiscasearebothpeoplewhosemothersthrewthemaway.”Itcouldn’tbeacoincidence,notwiththeresourcesNikitahadatherdisposal.
Sophia’sorganizerflashedatthatmoment.“Nikita’slabtechshavedoneafirst-lookanalysisoftheforensicdata—thebloodonthemirrorwasthevictim’s,theDNAandprintsinthepublicareasbelongtoeitherChanorNikita’sotheremployees,allofwhichcanbeexplainedbythemeetingsheheldinhishomeoffice.NounexplainedorsuspiciousDNAinthebedroom.”
“Thatwasfast.”
Sophia’sanswerwaspractical—andsaidathousandthings.“She’saCouncilor.”
“Hmm.”Pullingtoastopinfrontofasmall,bustlingrestaurant,heturnedofftheengine.“It’salmosthalfpasttwo.YoucantellmeaboutPurePsyoverlunch.”Fromwhathe’dheardsofar,thegroupsatindiametricoppositiontoNikita’sgrowingbusinessallianceswiththeotherraces—butheneededtoknowmoreabouttheirtacticstojudgewhethermurdermightbepartoftheirarsenal.
Sophiadidn’tmovetostepoutofthecar.“Wecan’triskbeingoverheard.”
“Takeoutitis,then.”Hewantednothingmorethantobealonewithher,totakethenextstepinthisstrangecourtshipoftheirs.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Itmatterslittletome.”
Maxhadalreadyslidbackhisdoor,butnowhepausedandlookedather,realizinghowfarshe’dretreatedwithinherself,herexpressionsoremoteheknewitwasafront,meanttohidethevulnerabletruth.“Damn.I’msorry.”Everyprotectiveinstincthehad,awakenedtoquiet,intenselife.“Ididn’tthinkaboutit.”
“It’salright.”Thosenight-violeteyesheldasurprisethatrubbedthosesameinstinctsverymuchthewrongway.“It’snotsomethingyouneedtothinkabout.”
Thatshe’dsaythataftertheunspokendepthofthisconnectionbetweenthemmadehimwanttoreachforwardandtugherintoahard,hotkiss—remindherofthetruthinawayshecouldn’tignore.Buthecouldn’ttouchher,notyet.“Yeah,”hesaid,“Ido.”Becauseslowly,inexorably,shewasbecominghis…towatchover,toknow.
Awashofshadowsinthatstunninggaze,asilentindicationthatshe’dheardthemessagebehindthewords.“Thankyou.”
Suchapolitestatementhidingsomuchemotion.“Don’tworry,”hesaidwithaslowsmilethatmadethepolitemaskslip,herexpressionflickeringwithsuspicion,“Iintendtotakemypaymentinkisses.”
Exitingthecartohersharplyindrawnbreath,heheadedintotherestaurant.Thebuzzofhumanandchangelingenergysurroundedhimfromeveryside—voicesroseandfellinanimatedconversation,theoddburstoflaughterpunctuatingthehum.Awomanbrushedbyhimassheleft,throwinghimanapologeticglanceoverhershoulder.Anotherpatronalmostranintohimashegotoffastoolaroundtheislandthatsurroundedthechefsintheiropen-airkitchen.
Ignoringwhatforhimweredistractions,butwouldforSophiabeasmallsliceofhell,Maxplacedhisorderusingthebuilt-inpadonthecounter.
Thewaitressputtheorderinfrontofhimlessthanfiveminuteslater.“Youlooklikeacop.”
Heraisedaneyebrowashescannedhisdebitcardoverthereader.
Laughing,sheleanedforward,hercleavagedisplayedtocheerfuladvantage.“Wegetalotinhere—there’sanEnforcementstationtwoblocksover.”
“You’vedevelopedexcellentradar.”
“You’renotfromaroundhere—Icanheartheaccent.”Takingsomethingfromherpocket,shesliditacrossthecounterwithasmile.“Foryou.”
Pickingitupwhensheturnedtodeliveranotherorder,hesawthatitwasasmallpersonalcardmadeoutofJapanesewashi,bearingthenameKeikoNakamuraandacellphonecode.
“Luckyman,”amorosemalesaidfromhisleft.“I’vebeentryingtogethertogooutforacoffeeformonths.”Envywasathornyvinearoundeveryword.
“I’moffthemarket.”IthadbeentruesincetheinstanthefirstlaideyesonSophiaRusso,whetherhe’dknownitatthetimeornot.
Agleamofinterest.“CanIhavethecardthen?”
“Sorry.”Maxdroppeditintothetakeoutbag.“Keeptrying.”
Keiko’srejectedsuitorscowledintohisudonsoupasMaxwalkedaway,hismindalreadyonawomanwitheyesfullofsecretsdarkandpainful.MySophia,hethought,anditwasavow.
SophialiftedthetakeoutcontainersfromthebagasMaxwenttograbtheplatesfromhiskitchenarea.Whenshesawthesmallwhitecard,sheassumeditheldthenumberoftherestaurant.Thenhereyefellonthetext.“Who’sKeikoNakamura?”
“What?”Maxwalkedoutwiththeplates.“Oh,don’tworryaboutthat.It’sgoingintherecycling.”Puttingdowntheplatesonthetable,hepluckedthecardoutofherhandandplaceditinthebinmarkedfortherecyclingchute.
ButSophiacouldn’tletthepointgo.“Youmetherattherestaurant?”
“Yes.”Placingtwoglassesofwateronthetable,hepulledoutachairwithaspareefficiencythatstruckherasquintessentiallymale.“Waitress.”
“Whenafemalegiveshercontactdetailstoanotherwiseunfamiliarman,”shesaid,tryingnottobedistractedbytheheatedstrengthofhimsoclose…sotouchable,“itisforprivatereasons.”AswiththatwomanintheelevatoratVale’sapartment.“Womenseemtoalwaysbegivingyoutheircards.”
Maxopenedoneofthecontainersandservedsomesushiontoherplateusingthedisposablechopsticks.“Thatbotheryou,Sophie?”Alow,deeptone,amasculinesmilethatmadeherskingotightwithwarning.
RememberingtoolatethatMaxShannonwasacopusedtodiggingdeep,readingtruthsandlies,sheopenedtheothercontainer.“Whatisthis?”
“Tempura.”Maxputwhatappearedtobeabatteredprawnontoherplate,hisvoiceholdingadistinctmaleamusement.“Tryit.Andyouhaven’tansweredmyquestion.”
Havingremovedherglovesandwashedherhandsearlier,sheusedherfingerstopickupapieceofsushi.“IsupposeIshouldbecomeaccustomedtowomen…”Shepaused,unabletothinkofthecorrectterm.
“Hittingonme.”
“Yes,Ishouldgetaccustomedtowomenhittingonyou,”shesaid.“Afterall,youareabeautifulman.”
ColorflaggedMax’scheeks.“I’llletyou—andonlyyou—getawaywiththat.Butneverinpublic.Gotit?”
Shewassofascinatedbythedisarmingglimpseofembarrassmentthatsheblurtedoutaneedsodeep,itwouldravageherifherefused.“Iwouldratheryounotrespondtoanysuchinvitationswhileweare…”
Hisgazemethers,hisattentionsototalthatshefeltasifshewasinthesightsofsomegreatbirdofprey.“Whileweare?”hepromptedwhenshedidn’tcontinue.
She’dcomethisfar,couldn’tgobacknow.Heknewabouttheotherness,aboutthecoldjusticeshe’ddeliveredtothosewho’dhurtsociety’smostvulnerable,andhehadn’tturnedaway—shewasstilltooterrifiedtoaskhimwhy,butitgaveherthecouragetosay,“Whilewearelearningeachother.”
“Learningeachother,”Maxrepeated,asifmeasuringthewords.“Andwillyouletmein,Sophie?”
“Yes.”Somethingstirreddeepwithinher,somethingthatwasatoncedark…andlonely.Unutterably,absolutelylonely.“Bewithme,Max.”Sayingthatwasthehardestthingshe’deverdone—itfeltakintotearingoutherheartandplacingitathisfeet…andhoping,justhoping,thathewouldn’tcrushit.
Maxdidn’tsayanythingforseverallongmoments.Whenhedidspeak,hisvoiceseemedtohavedroppedanoctave.“Doyouknowwhatyou’reasking,whatI’lldemandofyou?”
Thetinyhairsonherarmsstoodupattheleashedintensityofthequestion.“Yes.”
Maxpickedupapieceoftempura,butinsteadofputtingitonherplate,liftedittoherlips.Hiseyesheldasilentchallenge.AndSophiafoundherbone-deepvulnerabilityretreatingunderawaveofdetermination—DetectiveMaxShannonwasnotgoingtodisconcerthersoeasily.Shepartedherlipsandtookabite.Eatingtheotherhalf—ashockingintimacy—hereturnedhisattentiontoherface.Tohermouth.“Won’twhateveryouexperiencespilloutintothePsyNet?”
“It’sarisk,yes,”Sophiaadmitted,feelingherlipsturndry,herthroatseemingtoswell.“However,likeallJs,myPsyNetshieldsareairtight,sotheriskisacceptable.Evenifthereisaleak,anyirregularitieswillbeattributedtomydisintegrationasafunctioningJ,ratherthantosuchablatantbreachofSilence.”
Hislipsthinned.“Andoncethoseirregularitiesbecometoostrong,you’llbetakenawaytoberetuned.”
“Reconditioned,”shecorrectedautomatically.Partofherwantedtotellhimthefinaltruth—thatherchanceshadrunout,thattheirrelationshipwouldaccelerateherdisintegration…andthatshe’dchooseafugitive’sdeathbeforeallowingherpersonalitytobeerased,hermemoriesofMaxscrubbedawaytoleaveherahollowshell.
Butifshesharedthat,he’dneveragreetoherrequest,thismanwholookedatherasifshemattered,asifshewasworthprotecting.Andsheneededhimtoagree—thehungerinsideofher,itwassovast,soendless,sodarkandcold,shedidn’tknowhowshe’dborneitthislong.“I’vesurvivedreconditioninganumberoftimes.”Whenhedidn’tsayanything,sherubbedherdamppalmsonherthighs.“Max?”
Maxheardthewell-hiddentremor,thetouchofvulnerability,andhadtoforcehimselftokeepfromsoothingawayherworry.Becausethatwouldbealie.HewaswellandtrulyhookedonSophia—butnomatterhoweasyhewaswithothers,howlaid-back,he’dneverbethatwaywiththiswomanhewascomingtoconsiderhis.No,withher,hemightplay—wouldplay—buthe’dalsopushanddemandandtake.Andsheneededtounderstandthat
Makingadecision,hestoodandwalkedaroundtobracehishandsonthetableoneithersideofher,hisbreathstirringthetinycurlsjustaboveherear.Hesawherhandsclenchonherthighs,thescentofheramixofvanilla,lavender,andsomethingalittlewilder,uniquelyherown,aflowerthathadneverknownthehandofman.“Besure,Sophie.”Today,thisminute,hemightpossiblybecapableofwalkingaway.Butifhetouchedher,ifheclaimedher…there’dbenogoingback.CHAPTER17
Sophia’sanswerwasimmediate.“Iamsure.”
Buthesawthestrainedangleofherjaw,thetautlineofherbody.“Areyou?”Whensheremainedstiffwithinthebracketofhisarms,hedrewinadeepbreath…andletgoofthereins.“Ifwedothistoday,ifyouacceptme,thenyoutakemeasIam.”Heforcedhimselftogiveheronefinalchance,thoughtheneedtotakeheratherword,tofinallytastethetemptationthatwasSophiaRusso,wasapoundingbeatineverycellofhisbody.“Iwon’tbecontrollable,andIsureashellwon’tdoonlywhatyouaskofme.”Hebrushedtheshellofherearwithhislips.
Sophiasuckedinbreath.
“Okay?”hemurmured—he’dchallenge,coax,seduce,buthewouldn’thurther.Neverwouldhehurther.
Ajerkynod.“ButIneedspace.”Shewentasiftostandup.
Hekeptherinplacebythesimpleexpedientofremaininginposition.“LikeIsaid,baby—wedothis,you’llhavetoletgo,trustme.”Helethislipsstrokeoverthetipofherearagain,felthertremble.
Sosensitive,soexquisitelysensitive.
Butnopushover.
“Imaybefractured,”shesaidinbluntresponse,“butIamnotasubmissivepersonality.”
Hefelthislipscurve,delighted.“DidIsayIwantedasubmissive?Ijustwanttomakesureyoudon’texpectoneeither.”
“DoyouknowhowIseeyou?”Ahuskyquestion.“Asatigerwhohasdecidedtobehaveforthetimebeing—I’mnotstupidenoughtoattempttoleashyou.”
Themalenessinhimsettledattheverbalstroking.“I’llteachyouhowtomakemecomewillinglytoyourhand,”hemurmured,pressingasingle,gentlekisstothesweetslopeofherneck.“Anytimeyouwant.”
Along,shudderingexhale,herskinshimmeringwithheat.“Max.”
“Rideit,”hesaid.“Don’tfight,justridethewave.”
Sophiashookherhead.Theimpactofhistouch—hard,jagged,almostpainful—shovedthroughher.“Ican’t.It’stoomuch.”
Foraninstant,shethoughthewouldn’tshiftandshe’ddrownintheavalancheofsensation,butthenherosetohisfullheight,releasingherfromthesensualprisonofhisarms.Pushingbackherchair,shegotupandstumbledtothebathroom.Thecoldwatershesplashedontoherfacesnappedsomesemblanceofcontrolbackintoher,butitstilltookseverallongminutesbeforeshegotherselfunderenoughcontroltodarecheckherPsyNetshields.
Holding—ahardcarapacethatleftherbatteredinside.Batteredbutprotected.AstrongPsyNetshieldwasaJ’ssoleprotectionagainstearlyrehabilitation,andassuch,wasanunspokensecretintheCorps,theshieldtechniquespassedonfromJtoJoutsideofanyscheduledlesson.Evenherboss,whoplayedpoliticswithcold-bloodedease,wouldneverdivulgethatonetruth.BecausenooneintheCorpswaseversafe.
“Sophie.”Max’svoice,shapinghernamelikeacaress.“EitheryoucomeoutorI’mcomingin.”
Tuckingherhairbehindherears,sheopenedthedoorandwalkedtowardthetable.“I’mfine.”Alie.Shewasterrifiedhe’ddecidedagainsther,awomanwhocouldn’thandleasimplekiss.“Itwasjustashocktomysenses.”
Maxpulledoutherchair.“Tellme.”
Shedidn’tsit,didn’tdaregosoclosetothetemptationanddangerofhim.“Imiscalculatedhowbigtheimpactwouldbe.”Howvisceral.Herhandstrembledasshewenttopickupherdiscardedgloves.“Weshouldworkonthecase.”Itwasajerky,unsophisticatedattempttochangethesubject.
Maxsmiled,anditfeltasifhe’dstrokedafingertipacrossthemostsensitivepartsofher.“We’llwatchthedatafilesfromthesecuritycamerasinthecorridoroutsideChan’sapartment—youcanfinishyourlunchatthesametime.”
Herstomachfelttight,twistedintoknots.“Idon’treallyneedanymore—”
“You’lleat.”Coolwords.“You’llneedyourenergy.”
Hernegativeresponsewhisperedawayasshereadtheintentinthosedark,darkeyes.“Youstillwanttobewithme?EventhoughIcouldn’tevenhandle…”
“Ifigureitjustmeansyouneedmorepractice.”
Theprovocativewordsturnedtheknotsinherstomachintobutterflies.“Youmustn’tsaythingslikethat.”
“Why?”Aslow,deepsmilethatrevealedaleandimpleinhischeek.“Practicewillbefun—Iintendtobeaverydemandingcoach.”
Shestared,wishingshecouldkissherwaydownthatdimple.
“Comeon.”Smilewideningandfillingwithawickedlysensualheat,heturnedtoheadtothecommscreeninthelivingarea.“Bringyourplate.”Acoaxingglanceoverhisshoulderasheinsertedthecrystalintothebuilt-inplayeronthesideofthescreen.“Ipromisetobehave.”
Shewasn’tsureshebelievedhim,butshecouldn’tresist.Hestretchedoutanarmonthesofabehindherheadassoonasshesatdown.“Max,youneedtositalittlefartheraway.”
“No.”Thedimpledisappeared,buthisexpressionremainedwarm…intimate.“Nobackwardsteps.”Heturnedonthecommscreenusingtheremote,evenashisfingersbegantoplaywithstrandsofherhair.
Forthefirsttime,shefoundherselfwonderingwhatshe’dtakenon.
Atugonherhair.“Focus,J.”
J.Ithadalwaysbeen,ifnotacurse,thenasymboloftheinevitable.ButwhenMaxsaidit…HereyesliftedtothescreenasitfilledwithashotofthecorridorleadingtoEdwardChan’sroom.Asshewatched,Maxprogrammedthescreentoskiptoanythingthatdisruptedtheimageoftheemptycorridor.Thefirsttime,itwasacleaningbot,buzzingitswayindustriouslyalongthecarpet.
“Idon’tthinkhedidit,”Maxmurmured,hisfocusverymuchonthescreen.
Sophiatookthechancetowatchhim.Hisprofilewasallcleanlines,hisskinthatstrokabledarkhoney,hisbonestructureflawless.ButSophiahadseenbeautifulmenbefore.Objectivelyspeaking,CouncilorKalebKrychekwasoneofthemostdevastatinglyattractivemenontheplanet—buttheonetimeshe’dbeeninhisvicinity,he’dmadeherbloodruncold.Max,ontheotherhand…
Hereyeswenttothetriangleoffleshbaredattheopencollarofhisshirt.Othermensometimeshadhairthere,butshecouldseeonlysmooth,unblemishedskin.Itmadeherwanttoaskhimtounbuttontheshirtfarthersoshecouldkissherwayacrosshischest,learnhimwithhermouth.
“Nowwho’sthis?”
Sophiajerkedherheadtothewomanonscreen.Dressedinadeepgreenpantsuit,shesteppedoutoftheelevatorandheadedtowardChan’sroom,butenteredthesuiteoppositehis.Puttingdownherplate,Sophiareachedforherorganizer.“ThathastobeMarshaLangholm,Nikita’smostsenioradvisor.Sheusesthatapartmentwhileinthecountry.”
“We’llneedtotalktoher.”Reachingover,MaxtookherorganizersohecouldreadthenotesshehadonLangholm.“Ifyoudidn’tlikesushi,youshould’vespokenup.”
Sheateanotherpiece.“I’venevertasteditbefore.It’sfine.”
“Whataboutthetempura?”HekepthiseyesonthescreenasitskippedtoshowayoungmalewhoslidanenvelopebeneathChan’sdoorbeforereturningtotheelevator.
“Irecognizehim—RyanAsquith,”shesaid.“He’sthesameinternwholaterfoundthebody.Andtempuraisquite…enjoyable.”Neverbeforehadsheconsideredfoodanythingmorethannourishmentthatkeptheralive—likemostPsy,she’dbeenconditionedagainstfallingvictimtotheinherentsensualityoftasteandpleasure.
“We’lltrysomethingelsenexttime.”
“There’sMarshaagain.”ThewomanwalkedovertoChan’swithabriefcaseinhand,exitingtwominuteslatertore-enterherownroom.
“Quickvisit.”Hefrozeasthescreenskippedforwardandstoppedonanotherindividual.“Hell.”
Sophialookedup.Thefemaleonscreenwastall,withblackhairthatspilledpasthershouldersinsoftcurls,andskinthatwasdustedagoldenbrown.Unliketheothers,shewasn’twearingasuit,butashapelesscoatinroyalbluethatswampedherframe.
Butnomattertheill-fittingclothing,evenSophiaknewwhothatwas.“Ithought,”shesaid,“thatSaschawasestrangedfromNikita?”
“TherearethebusinesstiesDarkRiverhaswithNikita.Butwhatwasshedoingonaprivatefloor?”HewentsilentasSaschaknockedonMarshaLangholm’sdoor,wasadmitted.
Thescreenskippedforward.
Twomoremenappearedashorttimeapart,neitherofwhomtheycouldimmediatelyidentify.Thefirst—aslenderblackmalewholookedtobeinhisthirties—spentapproximatelytenminuteswiththevictimbeforeleaving.Thesecond—anaristocraticmanwithprematurelysilverhair—stayedfiveminuteslongerthanthatbeforebeingshownout,andthevictimwasaliveatthatstage.Theysawhimstepoutintothecorridor,walkhiscolleaguetotheelevatorwhiletheyapparentlyfinisheduptheirconversation.
ThenextpieceofmovementshowedSaschaexitingMarsha’sapartmentwiththeotherwomanbyherside.
“Wait.”Maxpausedthescreen,rewoundittotheimageofEdwardChandisappearingintohisapartment.“Lookatthetimestamp.”
“Tenfifteena.m.”
“I’mresettingittoplaybackcontinuouslyfromthispoint.”ButwhenhepushedPlay,theysawSaschaleavingMarsha’sapartment.
Sophiablinked,staringatthetimestamp.“It’soveranhourandahalflater.”
“Fromthelooksofthefiledata,”Maxsaid,bringingituponthesideofthecommscreen,“someoneinputa‘donotrecord’orderforthatperiod.”Herestartedplayback.
ThenextmovementcamebarelyfiveminutesafterSascha’sdeparture,whenthesameinternwho’dlefttheenvelopereturned—eventuallyenteringtheapartmenttodiscoverChan’sbody.“WhywasAsquithgivennotonlypermission,butthecodetooverrideChan’ssecurity?”MaxaskedSophia,stoppingtheplayback.
“Hemust’vegoneintotheNettocontactEdward,foundhimgone.”SophiahadseenJmindsblinkoutlikethat,knownthatdeathhadclaimedonemoreofherown.“PsywhodropoutoftheNetwithoutexplanationarealwaystrackeddowntoverifythereasonfortheirdisappearance.”ForSophia,thatreasonwouldonlyeverbedeath,hermindtoodeeplyintegratedintotheNettosurviveanyseparation.“Howlongittakesdependsonthecircumstances,buthereitwasobviouslyveryclosetothetimeofthemurder.”
WhenMaxdidn’tsayanythinginresponsetoherstatement,sheglancedovertofindhimpinchingthebridgeofhisnoseinanuncharacteristicgestureoffrustration.“Max?”
Alow,hardwordashedroppedhishand.“I’mabouttopissoffthefewfriendsIhaveinthiscity.”
Sophiawenttoreachout,touchhim.ButMaxthrustbothhandsthroughhishairandgotupfromthesofabeforeshecouldtransformthoughtintoaction.Herfingerscurledintothesofacushions—justassomethingwalkedacrossherfeet.Shejerkedbackinresponse,makingMorpheusyowl.“Oh,myapologies,Morpheus.”
Thecatgaveherabalefulglarebeforehoppinguptositonthesofabesideher.
“Hewantsyoutopethim,”Maxsaiddistractedly,pullingouthiscellphone.“I’llgiveClayacall,setupameet.”
“WhataboutMarshaLangholm?”
“We’lltalktoherafterSascha.”
MorpheusputaclawedpawonSophia’sthigh,insistent.Takingthehint,sheranherfingersthroughhisfur.Itwasfarsofterthanshe’dimagined,thelivingwarmthofhimmakingtheexperiencenothingakintotouchingafaux-furcoat,asshe’doncedoneinadepartmentstore.
WhenMorpheusspreadoutoverherthigh,eyesclosedinfelinebliss,sheknewshe’dpassedmuster.However,herattentionwasnolongeronthetemperamentalcat,butonhismaster.Maxstoodbythewindow,cellphonetohisear.Hemoved,shethought,withthesamegraceasthefelineunderherhand—withamuscledeasethattoldherhewasinfullandtotalcontrolofhisbody,hisstrength.
Whatwoulditbeliketostrokehim?
Heturned,methereyes.Shewonderedwhathesaw,becausehisexpressionchangedtoalooksheknewinstinctivelyshe’donlyeverseeinasexualcontext.Closingthephone,hewalkedoverandbrushedbackherhair,strokinghisfingeralongtheverytipofherear.“Sascha’satthecityoffice.”
Itwasthelightestoftouches,butsheshivered.“Thatisnotaneroticzone.”
“Oh?”Leaningdown,heclosedhisteethgentlyoverthesamespot.
AndSophiasawstars.
TheyweremetatDarkRiver’scityHQbytheleopardalphahimself.LucasHunterwasobviouslynotpleasedtofindhismateinthecrosshairsofaninvestigation,buthesaidnothingexcept,“Max,Ms.Russo,”beforeshowingthemuptothemeetingroom.
Entering,Sophiatriednottostareatthewomanseatedontheothersideoftheroundtable.Butthatprovedimpossible.Theimageonthescreenhadn’tdoneSaschaDuncanjustice.Notonlydidshebearthestartlingnight-skyeyesofacardinal—whitestarsonasweepofblackvelvet—shewasbeyondbeautiful,herfaceholdingaglowthatdidn’tseemreal.
“ThisisSophia,”MaxsaidtoSascha,hisfingerspressinglightlyonSophia’slowerback.
Herclothingdidnothingtomutetheimpactofhistouch,thetinyhairsonherarmsrisingupinvividresponse.“Ms.Duncan,”shesomehowmanagedtosay.
“PleasecallmeSascha.”Glancingup,thecardinalPsytouchedherfingerstoLucas’sashermatewalkedaroundtostandbyherside,hishandonhershoulder.Somethingunseenpassedbetweenthem,becausetheleopardalphaangledhisheadinamovethatwasveryfeline,beforesaying,“Takeaseat,”andfoldinghisownbodyintoachairbesidehismate.
“Sophie.”Maxpulledoutachair,takinghisownaftershe’dseatedherself.“I’llbeupfrontwithyouboth,”hesaidtotheDarkRivercouple,onearmbracedonthetable.“Sascha,youwereintheDuncanbuildingthismorningintheapartmentacrossfromanEdwardChan.”
Lucasleanedbackinhischairinaseeminglycasualpose…exceptthathiseyesweren’tquitehuman—Sophiacouldseeanareolaofgoldaroundthegreen,asiftheleopardwassimplywaitingforanexcusetogetout.
“What’reyougettingatMax?”Aquestionthatheldawarning.
“Justdoingmyjob,”Maxsaideasily.Soeasilyyoucould’vealmostoverlookedthefactthathewasholdingLucas’sgazewithunflinchingconfidence.
Dominance,shethought,itwasallaboutdominancewithmales.
“Lucas,”Saschamurmured,andSophiasawtheotherwoman’sshouldermusclesshiftinawaythatmeantshehad,inallprobability,placedherhandonhermate’sthigh.Anintimategesturebetweenmaleandfemale,onesheknewMaxwouldallowher…andnotanotherwoman,nomatterwhoshewas.Notnow.Astrangenewthingunfurledinsideofher,tightandhotanddetermined.
“Yes,Iwasthere,”SaschasaidtoMax,evenasSophiafoughttheurgetopushherself,tostrokeMax,feelhismusclesbunchunderhertouch.“IwenttospeaktoMarshaLangholm.”
“Thethingis”—Max’stonewasgentlerthanSophiahadeverheardit—“EdwardChanwasmurderedintheroomacrossfromLangholm’swhileyouwereintherewithher.”
Sascha’seyeswentwide,herdistressopen.“Oh,God.Thatexplainsit.”CHAPTER18
LucasranasoothinghandalongSascha’sspine.“Shh,kitten.Don’tletitstressyouout.”
“I’mokay—itwasjusttheshockofit.”Takingseveraldeepbreaths,shelookedstraightatthem.“Howmuchdoyouknowaboutmyabilities?”
MaxglancedatSophia,andshetookthatasacuetoanswer.“Theysayyoucansenseemotion,healwoundsoftheheart.Therearerumorsyou’reanE,adesignationthatdoesn’texist.”
“Oh,itexists,”Saschasaidwithafirmnessatoddswiththeincrediblewarmthofherpresence.“I’manempath,notaparticularlyusefulthingintheNetunderSilence.Butthatdoesn’tmatter—onlytwothingsmatter.One—Icouldn’tmurderanyone,notwithoutitreboundingbackonme.I’dfeeltheimpactofthevictim’sdeath,andI’mfairlycertainitwouldkillme.Nikitacanverifythatforyou.”
SophiafoundherselfbelievingSascha.Therewasjustsomethingabouttheotherwomanthatmadeherwanttobelieve.IfallEsmotivatedthesameresponse,thenitmightgotowardexplainingwhytheirdesignationhadbeenburied—theywereathreat,becausetheyinspiredloyaltywithoutthefearthatwastheCouncil’sfavoriteweapon.“Yousaidtworeasons,”shepromptedinatonethatheldgenuinerespect.“What’sthesecond?”
“IthinkIfelthimdie.”Itwasawhisper.“ItwasjustbeforeIleftMarsha’sroom.Ifeltawaveofnausea,theneverythingwentblack—IthoughtIwasgoingtofaint.Butitpassedwithinseconds,soIputitdowntogettinguptooquicklyfromthesofa.”Sheleanedintohermate’sembrace—Lucas’sfacewassetinlinesofsavageprotectiveness,butheheldherwithopentenderness.“PoorEdward.Healwaysworkedsohard.”
“Sascha.”Max’stonewasoddlycarefulashesaid,“Didyouseeorhearanythingthatmighthelp?I’vegotagapofninetycriticalminutesinthesecurityfootage.”
“No.”Frownlinesmarredherbrow.“Theroomsareallsoundproofed,andIwasintentonmyconversationwithMarsha.WeweretogetherthewholetimeexceptwhenIgotuptogotothebathroom.”ThoseextraordinaryeyesmetMax’s.“I’mthelastpersonwho’dhurtanyone.”
Maxthrustahandthroughhishair.“Look,”hesaidinthetoneofamanwho’dmadeadecision.“Ithinkit’sabouttimeyouknowwhat’sgoingon.”Asearingglanceoutofthosenear-blackeyes.“Sophie,itmightbebetterforyoutoleavetheroom.”
Sheremainedinherseat.Maxtappedherfootwithhisinplayfulapproval—makingherheartslamagainstherribs,herfingerscurl—beforeturninghisattentionbacktotheothercouple.“Someone’sattemptingtoderailNikita’sorganizationbytakingoutherpeoplebecauseheorshecan’tgettoNikitaherself.It’slookinglikethebombersfourmonthsagoonlygottotheelevatorshaftbecausesomeoneontheinsidemadesuretheydid.”
Sascha’shandclenchedintoafistonthetable.“Youdon’tthinkthey’llfacilitateanotherattemptonherlife?”
“Yourmother,”Maxsaid,“isforearmedandverysecurityconscious.That’swhythekillerhasbecomefrustrated,startedtotargetthosearoundher.”Heblewoutabreath.“Sascha,ifyou’restillincontactwithher,you’reaprimetarget.”
LucasHuntertangledhisfingerswithhismate’s,hislethalangerturningintoanintense,protectivefocus.“Saschaisn’tNikita’sheir.”
“She’sNikita’sdaughter.”Maxshookhishead,hisjawastubbornline.“Idon’tcarewhatanyonesaysaboutthePsyabilitytocutoffpeoplewithoutathought—ifaCouncilor’sdaughteristakenout,itwillhaveanimpact.”
“YoumaynotbeCouncilorDuncan’sfinancialheir,”Sophiasaidintothesilence,“butyouremainhergeneticheir,theonlyoneshehas.”Andgeneticswerevery,veryimportantintheNet.Thoseofherracehadnolove,nohate,totiethemtogether,buttheyhadblood.“AsfarasIknow,shehasn’tarrangedforasecondchildorasurrogate.”
“No,”Saschawhispered.“I’veneverunderstoodwhy.”
“Mypackwillprotectmymate,”LucassaidtoMax.“Thanksfortheheads-up.”
Maxgaveawrysmile.“ThanksfornotrippingmyfaceoffbeforeIcouldgetawordout.”
“It’ssuchaprettyface,”theleopardalpharesponded,afelinesmilewarmingthoseferalgreeneyes,“thewomenintheofficewouldprobablystringmeupifImesseditup.”
SophiafeltthetensionlevelintheroomdropevenbeforeMax’sexpressionshiftedtopuremaleamusement.“IthoughtDorianwasconsideredthefairestofthemall.”
ItwasSaschawhoreplied.“Idon’tknow,Max”—atightsmile,astheempathfoughtherworryforhermother—“you’regivinghimseriouscompetition.I’mcertainIheardZarasaysomethingaboutwantingtolickyouuplikestrawberryicecream.”
SophiadecidedthisZarapersoncouldn’tbeallowedanywherenearMax.Whotiltedbackhischairinthatwayhehadandlaughed.“SinceI’vealreadybrokentherules,ifeitherofyouhaveanyideaofwhomightwanttogoafterNikita,I’dbehappytohearit.”
“Letusdiscussitandgetbacktoyou.”Squeezinghismate’sshoulder,Lucasrosetohisfeet.
“Fairenough.”Maxstoodaswell.“ClayknowswhereI’mstaying,andhe’sgotmycellcode.”Asthemenshookhands,Sophiagotup,takingonelastlookattheextraordinarydaughterCouncilorNikitaDuncanhadborne.Sascha’sheadwasbent,hersmilehavingfadedawaytorevealahauntingworry.
“Sophie.”
SheturnedtoseeMaxholdingthedoor.Walkingoutbesidehim,sheconsideredwhethershe’dmournherownparentswhentheydied.No,shethought.They’derasedherfromtheirlivessocleanlythatshe’dhadtoerasethemfromhersinordertosurvive.Ithadbeenhard,sohardtodothat.She’dwrittenlettersatfirst.She’dbegged.
Finally,aresponsehadcome…onethathadmadeherparents’positionclearwithbrutalprecision—shewasnolonger,ithadstated,an“acceptablegeneticheir.”
Awolfwhistlepiercedtheair,slicingneatlythroughthepainednumbnessofhermemoriesofthedayshe’drealizedherparentswereneverreturningforher.Thewhistleoriginatedfromthemouthofasmallwomanwithcoffee-coloredskin.“Ihearyou’resingle,Cop.”Ablindingsmile.
Max’srespondingsmilerevealedtheleandimpleinhisleftcheekthatSophiawantedtokisseachtimeshesawit.“Yourintelisoutofdate.”
“Iknewit—I’mgoingtodieanoldmaid.”Herfacedrooped.“Ishallnowgodrownmyselfinfantasieswherethree—nofour—hotmenawaitmyeverywhim.”
Sophiadidn’tsayaworduntiltheywerebackinthecar.“I’m…gladthatyounolongerconsideryourselfsingle.”Ittookconsiderablewillpowertosaythat,toadmithowmuchhiscommitmentmeanttoher.Noonehadeverbeforechosenher.Noone.
Reachingoutwithadeliberateslowness,Maxbrushedhisknucklesoverhercheek.Thesensationwasahotwhipoverherskin.“ThethingsIplantodotoyou,Sophie,”hewhisperedinadeepvoicethatmadehertoescurl.“Zara’sfantasieshavenothingonmine.”
LucaswaiteduntilafterMaxandSophiaRussohadlefttoturntohismate.Fightingtheurgetojustcuddletheworryoutofher,heleanedbackagainstthewallbythedoorandfoldedhisarms.“Now,kitten,howabouttellingmeexactlywhatyouweredoingintheDuncanbuilding?”Hishearthadalmoststoppedbeatingwhenshe’dconfessedherlittlefieldtrip.
“Lucas,”Saschasaidinavoicethatwould’venormallymadehimcalmdown.
“Thatisn’tgoingtowork.”Hedroppedhishands,movedtobracethemonthetabletop.“Ithoughtweagreedyou’dstayoutofthelimelightwhileyou’resovulnerable.AndGod,youwent—”Hegrithisteeth,unabletogetthewordsout.
“NoonerealizedIwaspregnant,”Saschasaid,risingtomovearoundthetable,“notevenMarsha.ShethoughtI’dputonweightbecauseofmyunregimentedexistence.”Herhandcurvedoverhischeek.“Ineededtotalktoher.”
“Why?”Hethoughtheknew,buthewantedtobecertainaftershe’dsuckerpunchedhimwiththisstunt.“Andsit.”Pullingoutachairforher,hetookonetoherright.
Placingonehandonhisthighinthatwayshehad,hismatetookanotherdeepbreath.“Iwanted…”Hervoiceshook,andhecouldnomorestopfromreachingouttokissher,pether,thanhecouldstopbreathing.
“Kitten,youknowyoucantellmeanything,anything.”Whyhadshefelttheneedtohidethis?Thatwaswhathadhimsolost.
“IplannedtotellyouassoonasIgotback,”shesaidatonce,herfingerstighteningonhisthigh,“butyouweresobusyIthoughtI’dwaittilltonight.”
“You’resupposedtotellmethingslikethisbefore.”Thepanthersnarledinagreement.
“Iknewyouwouldn’tletmeseeMarshaonmyown,”shesaid,astubbornangletoherjaw.“AndIdidn’twantyoutoworry—youdosomuchofitalready.”
“OfcourseIdo.You’repregnantwithourchild—Ihavetherighttogonutslookingafteryou.”
“AndIloveyouforit.”Anaffectionatewaveofemotiondownthematingbondtiedthemtogetheronthelevelofthesoul.“Butthis,Ineededtodoalone.”
Hispanthercaughtthevulnerabilitybeneaththesteelywill.Reachingout,hecurvedonehandbehindhernapeinaholdasprotectiveasitwasproprietary.“Istillhaven’theardwhatyouwenttodo.”
“Marsha’sbeenmymother’sadvisorsincebeforeNikitabecameaCouncilor,sincebeforeshehadme.”
Thetendernesshefeltforhermadehissoulhurt.“YouwenttoaskherwhatNikitawaslikeduringherpregnancyandwhenyouwereborn.”Hismatewassoscaredshewouldn’tbeagoodmother—wheneveryonearoundherknewshe’dbeanamazingone.
“Yes.”Hereyeswerealmoststarlesswhenshelookedup.“ButIcouldn’tmakemyselfaskanyofthosequestions.Iguesspartofmewasafraidofwhatshewouldsay—thatNikitaneverlovedme,notevenwhenIwasinherwomb.”
Ittorehimaparttoseeherhurting.“Kitten.”
Areassuringsqueezeofhisthigh.“Ithurts,butitwon’teverbreakmeagainlikeitalmostdidonce.NotwhenIcanfeelyoulovingmeeverymomentofeveryday.”Eyesshinywithemotion,shereacheduptostrokeherfingersthroughhishair.“Mostly,IthinkIneedtoheartheanswersfromNikitaherself.”
Lucasshiftedcloser,soshecouldmoreeasilypethimwiththosehandsheadored.“I’llcallher,organizeameeting.”He’ddancewiththedevilhimselfifthatwaswhatittooktoensurehismate’shappiness.
“Marshamissedmypregnancybecauseshe’ssofocusedonworkshe’soblivioustoanythingelse,”shesaid,playingherfingersoverhisjawandalonghisneck.“Nikitawon’t.”
Lucaslaidhishandoverthecurvedmoundofherstomach,knowingthatifhepressedhiseartothatsamespot,he’dbeabletosensetheheartbeatoftheirunbornchild.“We’vemanagedtokeepitquietthisfar,butIthinkunlessyouplantostayinseclusion,thejigisup.Maxknewyouwerepregnanttheinstanthelookedatyou.”Atfivemonthsalong,shewasgorgeously,radiantlybeautiful—anymanwithaworkingheartwouldrealizeshecarriedalifeinherwomb.
“Areyoucallingmefat?”
HecaughtthegleamoflaughterinthosestunningcardinaleyesandknewhisSaschawasmorethantoughenoughtohandlethewomanwho’dgivenbirthtoher.“AccordingtoDevshouldmindhisownbusinessSantos,Ishouldbefeedingyoumore.”She’dgainedlittleextraweightthroughthepregnancy.“Areyousureyou’reeatingenough?”
“Lucas,didyouordidyounotgooutatthreea.m.togetmeapizzawithallthefixings?”
“Didyousaythankyouforthatyet?”Heleanedforwardtospeakwithhislipsagainstherear.
Makingasmall,pleasedsound,shenuzzledintohisneck.“Iseemtorememberyoupurring.”
“EventhoughallIgotwasasinglemeaslyslice.”
“Irestmycase.”Akisspressedtothebeatofhispulse.
“Ieatliketheproverbialhorse.”SaschapattedherhandovertheoneLucashadplacedonherabdomen.“We’rebothdoingmorethanfineaccordingtothedoctorandTamsyn.”TheDarkRiverhealerhadexaminedheronlyyesterday.
Ashiftinsideher,astrange,beautifulthing,thenatinyfootslammingintoherwithastrengththatsurelycamefromthebaby’sfather.“Oof.”
Lucasbeamedwithpride.“That’smygirl.”
Saschamadeaface.“Whyareyousoconvincedit’sagirl?”They’dmadethedecisionnottoaskthedoctororhealertoconfirmgender,thoughSaschacouldn’thelpbutknow—herbaby’smindwasdevelopingdaybyday,becomingastrongerandstrongerpsychicwarmthinsideofher.Still,shelikedtoplaywithLucas.He’dorderedhernottotellhim.
“Ijustknow.”Bendinghishead,hepressedakisstothetopofherabdomen,muchashehadahabitofdoinglateatnight,sayinggoodnighttotheirbabe
Sheranherfingersthroughhishair.“Iloveyousomuch,Lucas.”Hereyesteared,hervoicegotthick.
“Heynow.”Raisinghishead,hetouchedhisforeheadtohers.“Pregnancyhormonesstrikeagain?”
Ajerkynodasshemeltedintohisembrace.“Ishould’vetoldyouaboutvisitingMarsha,butIswearIwasn’tinanydanger.”
Lucaswentpredator-still.“Whowentwithyou?”
“I’mnottellingyouifyou’regoingtogosnarlatthem.”
“I’mtheiralpha—theyshould’vetoldme.”
Shethumpedafistagainsthischest.“I’mtheiralpha’smate.”
And,Lucasthought,she’dearnedherpackmates’loyaltyinherownright.“Dorian,”hesaid,knowingthesentinelhadamile-widesoftspotforSascha.“Whywasn’theonMax’ssurveillance?”
“Hewaslessthanthirtysecondsaway,intheemergencystairwell,monitoringthecorridorwithhissuperduperhigh-techgee-whizzsurveillanceequipment,whileIhadthemeeting.HeevenhadmewiredincaseMarthasuddenlywentinsaneandtriedtokillmebythrowingherorganizeratmyhead.”Atheatricalgasp.
Lucasnippedherlowerlipinpunishmentforthesmartaleckresponse—andbecausehewasproudofhismate’sstrength,nomatterthathehadn’tgottenhisownway.“Comeonthen,let’sgoseewhatBlondiehastosay.”
“Lucas,didyounotice?”
“What?”
“MaxandhisJ.”
Lucasleanedonearmagainstthetable,scowling.“No,Ididn’tnotice.”
“SophiaRusso’salmostimpossiblygoodathidingherdisintegration,”Saschasaid.“Ionlypickeditupbecauseofmyempathy.Somuchpain,somuch.”Sheclosedherhandintoafist,rubbeditoverherheart.“Iwantedtoreachacrossandtellheritwasalright,thatshewassafe,thatwe’dhelpher.”
Lucaswasusedtohismate’sempathicnature.Buthewasalsoanalpha,pledgedtoprotecthispeople.“She’sintheNet,Sascha.Nowaytoknowifshecanbetrusted.”
“Iknow.”Astubbornlook.“Andifshedecidestocallmeoneday,Iwon’tsaynotoanyrequestshemakes.”
“WereyouthishardheadedwhenImatedwithyou?”Agrowlformedlowinhisthroat.
“No.IthinkI’mmaturingwithage.”
“Well,stopit.”Inspiteofhisteasingwords,herresponses,hecaughttheedgeoffearinhereyes.“Don’tworry,kitten.Thecopknowswhathe’sdoing.”MaxShannon,Lucasthought,mightappearnonthreateningwiththateasysmileofhis,butitwasdeceptive—thecathadsensedthetruth,sensedthehunterthatlurkedbeneaththehumanskin.“Hewon’tstopuntilhebringsdownhisprey.”CHAPTER19
Nooneeverexpectsbetrayal.Noone.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon
MakingitbacktotheDuncanbuildingbyfive,MaxandSophiamanagedtorounduptheotherfourpeoplewho’dappearedonthesurveillancefootage.
Theintern,RyanAsquith,wasunabletoprovideanyusefulinformation,butMarshaLangholmwasfarmoreforthcoming.“Detective,”shesaid.“I’llgetstraighttothepoint.WhileIdidseeEdwardforabriefperiodthismorningsohecouldsignacontract,Iwasinaprivatemeetingatthetimeofhismurder,andI’drathernot—”
Maxheldupahand.“Saschatoldusshewaswithyou.”
Aslightnod.“Inthatcase,you’llunderstandtheneedfordiscretion.”
“TheCouncilorwasn’tawareSaschawasinthebuilding?”
“Ihavenowayofknowingthat.”
Anartfuldodge,butLangholm’sloyaltytotheDuncans—eventotheextentofprotectingonewhohaddefected—wasclear.“You’reoneofNikita’shighest-rankingpeople,”Maxsaid.“Isthereanythingyoucantellusthatmighthelpwithtrackingdownthepersonorpeoplebehindthesemurders?”
Thewomandidn’tpretendnottounderstand.“IknewValedidn’tcommitsuicide—itwassimplynotinhispsychologicalprofile.”Apause.“Ican’tgiveyounamesoranyconcretedetails,buttherehavebeenongoing…ripplesfromSascha’sdefection.”
TappingMax’sfootbeneaththetableinasilentsignal,Sophiaputdownherorganizer.“SurelynooneholdstheCouncilorresponsibleforherdaughter’sso-calledflaw?Inanycase,IthoughtitwascommonknowledgethatNikitaseveredallfamilialtieswithSascha.”
MarsharespondeddirectlytoSophia.“TherewerequestionsafterSaschalefttheNet,buttheycalmedonceitbecamecleartheCouncilorwasgoingaboutherbusinessasnormal.Eventually,Nikita’sbusinessassociationwiththechangelingsbegantobeconsideredanassetbecausetheyareanunusuallydifficultmarkettocapture.”
Maxsatback—itwasclearSophiaknewpreciselytherightquestionstoask.Buthecouldn’tresisttappingatherfootinplayfulresponse.Sheputthehighheelofherpumpoverthefrontofhisleathershoeinsilentreproof.
“What’schanged?”Insharpcontrasttoherfoot,Sophia’sfingerslayunmovingontheglass-toppedtable.
HerememberedthosesamefingersweavingthroughMorpheus’sfur,remembered,too,theexpressionofdiscoveryonherface,asifshe’dneverbeforepettedalivingcreature.Hewantedtoshareathousandotherpiecesofhisworldwithher—buttodoso,he’dhavetoplumbhersecrets,discovereverythingtheJusticeCorpskepthidden.Becausehewasn’tlettingthisJdisappearintothedark.
“TheCouncilorhasn’tchangedherbusinesspractices.”MarshaLangholm’svoicebrokeintohisthoughts.“However,therehavebeencertainsubtlechangesinthePsyNet.”
“Thepoliticalwindsareshifting,”Sophiamurmured.
“No,”MarshaLangholmsaidtoMax’ssurprise.“I’dsayit’smoreofasplit.Thelinesarevery,veryfine,butthedivisionisstartingtotakeform.Nikitastandsononeside,thosewhosupportPurePsyontheother.”
Maxdecidedtoreentertheconversation.“ExplainPurePsytome.”Sophiahadtoldhimwhatsheknewaboutthegroup—includingtheextraintelligenceNikitahadsenther,butthiswasanopportunitytogettheperspectiveofanotherpowerfulPsy.
“Ofcourseyouwouldn’thaveheardofit,”Marshasaid,anditwas—nodoubtaboutit—condescending.“PurePsy’sguidingaimistostrengthenandpreservetheintegrityofSilence,aconcepttheytermPurity.They’vecometobelievethatcontactwiththeotherracesiscontaminatingus—andthatthatcontaminationisadirectcauseoftheriseindefectionsandwhispersofrebellion.”
“SoNikitaisconsideredaproblem—becauseofherincreasinglystrongtieswiththechangelings.”Sophia’stonewasaspragmaticasMarsha’s.“Howaboutotherbusinesses?Aretheypullingbackfromtheirnon-Psyconnections?”
“Someareconsideringit—whileNikitahasrecentlyenteredintoanotherconstructiondealinpartnershipwithDarkRiverandSnowDancer.”
“IfitisPurePsy,”Maxsaid,tellinghimselftobehavewhenhegottheurgetoruffleSophia,sneakunderthatprimcomposureofhersbytap-dancinghisfingersalongherthigh,“whysingleoutNikita?She’soneofsevenCouncilors.”
MarshaLangholmtouchedthescreenofherorganizerwhereitlayonthetableinfrontofher,notarestlessmotion—fullyconditionedPsynevermadethose—butanindication.“Ilookedyouup,DetectiveShannon.Foramanwithsuchahighsolverate,you’reararepresenceinthenewsmedia.”
Maxshrugged,letitrestatthat.
“Itmakesmewillingtosharethisinformation.I’veheardmurmursthatHenryScotthasalignedhimselffullywithPurePsy,andthatShoshanna,ashiswife,isalignedwithhim.”
MaxmadeamentalnotetoaskSophiehowthatworked—theScottscouldn’ttrulybehusbandandwife,notintheemotionalsense.“ThatstillleavesAnthonyKyriakus,TatianaRika-Smythe,MingLeBon,andKalebKrychek.”
“Allfourhaveundeclaredpoliticalloyalties,”MarshaLangholmsaid.“PurePsymightbesuspiciousthatAnthonydoesn’tstandontheirsideoftheline,butthenagain,hisactioninsubcontractingforeseeingworktohisdaughterisanunderstandablebusinessdecision,givenFaithNightStar’ssheervalue.And,theNightStarclanhaslittlecontactwithchangelingsbeyondthatsubcontractingarrangement.”
Sophiaspokeagain,hervoiceastrokeagainstMax’ssenses.“DoyouhaveanyideawheretheotherCouncilorsmightstand?”
“TatianaRika-Smytherecentlyboughtsignificantamountsofsharesinhumancompanies.Ifshecontinuesonthattrack,itwillbydefaultputherontheothersideofthelinefromPurePsy.MingLeBonandKalebKrychekareunknowns.They’vedonenothingthatcouldbeconsideredeitherfororagainstthegroup.”
“Idon’tgetonething,”Maxsaid,tippingbackhischair.“Psyareallaboutlogic,right?”
“Correct,Detective.”
“ThenPurePsymakesnorationalsense.”Apointedtaponhisfoot.Hidinghisgrin,heputhischairbackdownonallfourlegs.“Iftheysucceed,they’llisolatethePsy,cutoffhugesourcesofrevenue.”
MarshaLangholmdidn’tanswer.Sophiadid.“Itislogical,inaway,”shesaid.“PurePsybelievesthatiftheNetis‘closed’again,thenPsypowerwillgrowtotheextentthatourracewilleventuallybeabletoexterminatethechangelingsandhumansboth.”
“Evenifsuchanactmeansalossofpower—ofpersonnel,”MarshaLangholmadded,“intheshortterm.”
Itwasthemostcold-bloodeddescriptionofmurderMaxhadeverheard.
DorianlookedupfromthecomputerwherehewasdoingsomethingthatdisappearedtheinstantSaschaandLucaswalkedintothesecondsubbasementoftheDarkRiverbuilding.
“Heknows,”Saschawhisperedtoherco-conspirator.
DoriangrinnedatLucas.“Sohowmadareyou?”
“Ifyoudidn’thaveamate,I’dconsidermakingyouaeunuch,”Lucassaid,watchingSaschawalkovertostandonDorian’sotherside,herhandonthebackofthesentinel’schair.
Turning,Dorianangledhishead,askingforpermission.WhenSaschasmiled,hepressedhisearagainstherbelly,touchinghishandprotectivelytotheswell.Ifanymanoutsidethepackhaddaredtodothat,Lucaswould’vetornhimtoshredswithhisbareclaws.ButthiswasDorian,Sascha’sfavoritesentinel,andoneofthebestfriendsLucashadeverhad.
HispanthersatupininquisitiveinterestwhenSaschalaughedatsomethingDorianwhisperedtothebaby.“Hey,”thesentinelsaidinaloudertone,“youneverknow.Kidcouldcomeoutwantingtoknowallaboutadvancedmartialarts.”
Saschamessedupthesentinel’sdistinctivewhite-blondhair.“AccordingtoVaughn,she’sgoingtobeapainter,he’ssureofit.AccordingtoClay,he’sgoingtobeasentinel-born.AccordingtoHawke—”
Lucasgrowledatthewolfalpha’sname.
Laughing,Saschacontinued.“AccordingtoHawke,herpurposeinlifeisgoingtobetomakeLucasinsane.He’salreadyboughtLucasawoolenhat—forwhenhetearshishairout,”sheexplainedatDorian’sconfusedlook.
Lucasfelthislipstugupwardathergentleteasing.“YouknowwhatIcan’twaitfor?Thatwolftogethiscomeuppance.I’mgoingtothrowapartywhenhegetsmated—thentakeafront-rowseatwhilehismatemakesmincemeatoutofhim.”
Sascha’sexpressionsoftened,andLucascouldguessthedirectionofherthoughts.Acceptedknowledgesaidthewolfalphawouldnevermate,butthingshadshiftedinthepastyear.ItwasbeginningtolookasiftheremightbeachancefortheSnowDancer.Andnomatterhowmuchtheyantagonizedeachother,Lucaswouldneverwishanythingbutgoodlucktotheothermaleonthisonepoint.Becausewhenitcametomating…
HiseyesmetthoseofthecardinalPsywhowashismate,hisheartbeat.“StopflirtingwithDorianandcomeoverhere.”
Takinghishand,shemovedtofitherselfagainsthisside.“Iwouldn’tdareflirtwithDorian.Ashayawouldturnmeintochoppedliver.”
Doriangaveasmuggrin.“MymatethinksI’mthemostgorgeousleopardsheeversaw.”
“Showusthefootagebeforeyourheadexplodes,”Lucasmuttered,buthisowncatwasgrinningtoseeDoriansohappy.Thesentinelhadbeenlatentmostofhislife,unabletoshiftintoleopardform.Nowthathecould,hedidsoateveryopportunity.“Haveyoumanagedtocatcharabbityet?”
Asingleeloquentfinger.“Fuckyou.”
Lucassnickered.“Whatabouttryingforaturtle?”
DorianlungedoutofthechairandwentforLucas’sthroat.
Laughing,Saschawatchedthetwomenfalltothefloor.Neitherhadreleasedclaws,anditwasobvioustheyweren’tdoinganythingmuchmorethanwrestling.Men,shethoughtwithafondshakeofherhead,turningtotakeDorian’schair.
Oooh,thatfeltsomuchbetter.
Thoughherenergylevelshadincreasedoverthepastweekortwo,herankleswerepersistingintheirattemptstoturnintominiaturelogs.Alittlebumpinherstomach,areminderthatitwasallworthit.Yes,shethoughttoherchild,you’rewortheverything
Asenseofhappiness,warmth,belonging.
Shestrokedherhandoverherbelly,keepingoneeyeonthetwoboysstillrollingaroundonthefloor.You’reincrediblyloved,mysweetbaby.Theentirepackwaswaitingforthebirth,astheydidforeverybirthinDarkRiver.Eachchildwastreasured,celebrated.
Nonewouldeverberejectedasflawed.
Smiling,shetappedthescreentobringupthecorrectfiles.Dorianhadn’tactuallylistenedinonherconversationwithMarsha—instead,he’dmonitoredthetoneofhervoicewithoneofhisgadgets,readytobreakdownthedoortheinstantitindicateddistress.However,he’dalsokeptanearonwhatwentoninthecorridor,recordingitasamatterofcourse.
Somethingthumpedbehindherassheopenedthefile.“Dorian?”shesaid.“Isthisaudioonly?”
“What—umfh!”Anotherthump.“Yeah.Haven’thadachanceto—”
Aloudcrash.
Tryingtokeepasternface,sheturned.“Ifyoumessupthislab,I’llratyououttoRia.”Lucas’sadministrativeassistanthadorderedallthehard-to-findequipmentDorianhadspecified,helpedputtheplaceinordertothelastrivetandbolt.
Lucaslifteduphisface,hishairmessyandsogorgeous,shewantedtotumblehimtothefloorherself.“Aw,comeon.”
“Yeah,”Dorianmuttered,pushinghimselfupintoasittingposition,hisT-shirtruckeduptobarepartofhismuscledabdomen.“That’sjustmean,siccingRiaonus.”
“She’sfivefeetandzeroinches,”Saschasaid,notingthatbetweenthem,LucasandDorianprobablyoutweighedandout-muscledRiafourtimesover.“Whyareyouallsoscaredofher?”
“Youdon’tknow’causeshelikesyou.”Gettingup,LucasheldhishanddowntoDorian,whotookitandbounceduptohisfeet.
Neitherlookedanythingbutalittlerumpled.Cute,shethought,theylookedcute.Andthey’dsnarlifsheevendareduttertheword.“I’dliketolistentothisaudionow.”Herjoydimmed.“Someone’stryingtohurtmymother.”
Lucassqueezedthebackofherneckinsilentreassurance,hisloveaprotectiveshieldaroundher.WhenDorianqueriedherwords,Lucasgavehimashortprécisofevents—thesentineltouchedhisfingerstohercheekbeforeturningtofixsomethingintheaudiofile.“Iwasmonitoringthelivefeedthewholetimeandheardnothingsuspicious,butIwasonlylisteningoutforthreatstoSascha.Herewego.”
Therewasawholelotofnothing,andmorenothingonthetape.
“Newplan,”Doriansaidafterseveralminutes,“I’mgoingtoskiptoanyincidentswherethenoiselevelwentoverthebaseline.”
Therewereseveralnoisesthatmadethecomputerstop,peoplecomingandgoing.Then,abarefewminutesbeforeSaschaleftMarsha’sapartment,thesoundoffootsteps,aknock,adoorbeingopened.
“Iseeyoureceivedmymessage,”saidamalevoice,withaslightFrenchaccent.“Comein.Thepapersaresittingonthecoffeetablewhereyouleftthemearliertoday.”
“Ah,fuck,”Lucasmuttered,thrustingahandthroughalreadytousledhair.“Ifthat’swhatIthinkitis,Maxisgoingtobepissed.”CHAPTER20
LikethemajorityoftelepathsbornwiththeJfacility,thisfemalehasaminorabilityintheFspectrum,limitedtothepotentialforbacksight.Herabilitymeasuresat1.5ontheGradientandmayneveractivate.
—PsyMedreportonSophiaRusso,minor,age8
Maxwasn’tpissedwhenLucascalledhim.Hewasbeyondpissed.“Damnit,Luc.Youshould’vetoldmethiswhenwemet.”
“It’sevidenceyouwouldn’totherwisehave,”theDarkRiveralphasaidasSophiagotupandclosedthedoortotheinterviewroom,ensuringprivacy.“Andfortherecord,Ididn’tknow.I’vealreadysnarledatthetwoculpritsforyou.”
Recognizingthepeaceofferingforwhatitwas,Maxblewouthisbreath.“Canyousendthesegmentthroughtomyphone?I’llpickuptheoriginallater.”
“I’llgetDoriantodoit.And,Cop”—hisvoicedropped—“youneedus,we’rethere.Don’thesitate.”
“I’llholdyoutothat.”Closingthephone,MaxtoldSophiawhattheDarkRiveralphahadshared.
Sophiatuckedherhairbehindherear,baringthemarksonherface,marksthatwerebecomingintimatelyfamiliartoMax.“Theytaketheprotectionoftheirmatesseriously.”
“Doyouthinkit’sonlychangelingswhodothat?”Maxraisedahand,waiteduntilsheleanedawaryfractiontowardhim.Then,hiseyesonthesweetcurveofherlips,hedancedhisfingersoverhertemple,theedgeofhercheek,andalongherjaw.
Sophia’sheartwasastampedeinherchest,herskinpricklingwithanear-painfulheat,butshedidn’tmoveaway.AndwhenMaxsteppedevencloser,untilherbreastsbrushedhischestwitheverybreath,shefoundherfreehandrisingtopressagainstthewarmresilienceofhispectorals.
“Iwantskin,”shedaredconfess,thoughshewasn’tcertainshe’dsurvivethesensualimpact.
“Yeah?”Maxbenthishead,hisbreathhotagainsthercheekashestrokedhislipsoverherskininaslow,sweetglide,hishandclosingoverherhipinagripsoproprietary,itfeltakintoabrand.
“Max.”Herlegstrembledwiththeefforttostayinplace,tosoakinthefeelofhim—hardandstrong,anerotictemptation.
“Enough.”Maxsteppedback.“Nexttime,Igetyourmouth.”
Grippingthebackofachair,sheswallowed,triedtofindhervoice.Itwasgone,lostintherushofthunderthatwasherbloodstream.HereyesmetMax’sagain,andshesawtheglitterinhisgaze,saw,too,theskinpulledtightoverhisjaw.“Itcan’taffectyoulikeitdoesme,”shefinallymanagedtosay,herthroatraw.“Youmustbeusedtoit.”
“Soanothermanwouldworkjustaswellforyou?”
Theanswerspilledoutofher.“Onlyyou.”Adangerousconfession,butSophiadidn’thavetimetoplaygames.Bitternessthreatenedtoriseinasharp,acidicburst,butshecrushedit,determinednottogiveintouselessanger.“Onlyeveryou.”
Maxsuckedinabreath,swearinglowinhisthroat.“Good—becauseIsureashellamnotthesharingkind.”Withthatharshstatementofclaim—andsheunderstoodthatthatwasexactlywhatitwas—heturnedtothedoor.“I’llbebackinasecond.”
Maxleanedagainstthewalloutsidethemeetingroom,hisbreathcominginjaggedgulps.ThecoolairdidlittletoclearthescentofSophiafromhislungs.Shewasnothinghe’deverexpected,everythinghewanted.
AndshewasPsy.
Justnow,whenhe’dtouchedher,whenshe’dtouchedhim,hereyeshaddrownedinblack.Noiris,nopupil,nowhites,nothingbutanendlessspreadofblack.Ithadshakenhim,notbecausehewasafraid—butbecauseitwasareminderofthegulfbetweenthem.He’dseenthePsyNetinhereyes,avastemptinessthathecouldneverenter,andshecouldneverleave.
SaschaDuncandid,hismindwhispered.
Theelevatordoorsopenedontheheelsofthatthought,disgorgingQuentinGareth,oneofthetwomenMaxandSophiahadn’tbeenabletoinitiallyidentifyonthesecurityfootage.
“DetectiveShannon.”Themale’sprematurelysilverhairglintedundertheoverheadlights.“Iwastoldyouhadquestionsforme.”
“Thanksforcoming.”Pushingoffthewall,heopenedthedoortofindSophiasittinginachairontheothersideofthetable.
Thedistancedidnothingtoeliminatethethrummingtensionbetweenthem,sothickandhotlysexualthatMaxwonderedhowGarethcouldmissit.
“Detective,”themansaidassoonastheywereseated,“ifthiscouldbeasfastaspossible,I’dappreciateit.I’mscheduledtocatchanairjettoDubai.”
MaxwasawareofGareth’stravelplans,butunlikewithhumancriminals,Psy—especiallyPsythishighupinthepowerstructure—werefarlessofaflightrisk.NikitacouldtrackQuentinGarethacrossthePsyNetifitcamedowntoit.“Howaboutyoujustrunusthroughyourmeetingwiththevictim,”hesaidinatonehekeptcasual.MaybePsydidn’tfeel,butfromwhathe’dseen,theywerevery,verygoodatreadingandmanipulatingthosewhodid.
“Ourmeetingwasprearranged,butEdwardreconfirmedoncehereturnedfromCairo.Themeetingcoveredanumberofgeneralideasforexpansion—wewantedtotalkbeforeIgotcaughtupwiththeDubainegotiationsandhewithhisownprojects.”
RespondingtoMax’squestions,Garethtoldthemheknewofnoreasonwhyanyonewould’vetargetedEdwardChan.Maxendedtheinterviewonthatpoint.“Weneeddeepbackgroundchecksonallfourpossibles,”hesaidtoSophiaafterGarethleft.“MygutsaysMarshaisclean,butshecouldhaveaskeletoninherclosetthatleavesheropentoblackmail.”
“I’malreadyworkingonit.”Hervoicewashusky,aroughcaress,areminderofthesensualfeverthathadalmostconsumedthemearlier.“IhavecontactsinJusticewhocandoitundertheradar.”
Maxclenchedhishandonthearmofhischair.“Youknow,”hemurmured,needingtoreleasethetensioninsomeway,“Ithinkthistableisstrongenoughtotakeyourweight.Youneverdidtellmewhatyouthoughtofboardroomsex.”
Shejerkedupherhead,aslightflushonhercheeks.Butshedidn’tbackdown.“Ithinkwe’dneedastrongerlockonthedoor—andI’mnotsureI’denjoybeingpoundedagainstahardsurface.”
Theword“pounded”actedlikeanaphrodisiac,sendinghisgoodintentionsalltohell.“Thenyoucanrideme,”hesaid,hiscockasteelrodinhispants.“Theview”—heranhisgazeoverherbreasts—“wouldmakememorethanhappytobepounded.”
“Max,”Sophiasaidinaverytightvoice,“ifyoudon’tbehave,I’ll—”
ItwasprobablyforthebestthatAndreTulane,thefinalindividualonthesurveillancefootage,arrivedthen.HegavethemthesamebasicstoryasQuentinGareth.
“Anyoneofthemcould’vedoneit,”Maxsaidafterthemanleft,“evenMarsha.Allshe’dhaveneededwasacoupleofminuteswhileSaschawenttothebathroom.”
Sophia’srespondingwordswerepractical…evenifhervoicecontinuedtorubacrosshisskininsweet,hotstrokes.“Maybe.ButaccordingtomyrecollectionoftheinterviewwithSascha,theyweretogetherwhenshefeltEdwarddie.”
Maxfrowned,thoughtback.“You’reright.I’llconfirmwithSaschainanycase.”
Nodding,Sophiasaid,“WeshouldlistentotheaudiomadebyDarkRiver.”
Takingouthiscellphone,Maxplayedthefile.“EdwardChan’sbiosaidhegrewupinFrance”—asharpeningofinterest,thefirstscentoftheirprey—“sothat’sgottobehim.WhichmeansChanwelcomedsomeonebackintohisapartmentjustpriortohisdeath.Thetimestamponthisfilefitsthetimelineperfectly.”Gettingup,hewalkedtoleanbackagainstthetablebesideSophia,unabletoresistrunninghisfingerdownherarm.“ThewordingtendstoclearRyanAsquith,evenifheisatelekinetic.”
Sheshiveredbutdidn’tpullaway,herhanddangerouslyclosetohisthigh.Hewantedhertoraiseit,placeitonhim,gohigher.Smotheringagoanattheeroticimage,hefocusedonhermouthinstead.“Yes,”shesaid,herlipssoftandlush,“Asquithonlywentinsidetheapartmentattheend.Butbythesametoken,heisthenewest,leastknownmemberofNikita’sstaff.”
“Yes”—hisownvoicewassandpaperrough—“buthewasn’tworkingforherwhentheelevatorchargewaslaid.”Rememberingthenotehe’dwrittenwhileshe’dbeenoutoftheroomearlier,hetookitoutofhispocketanddroppeditintoherbag,makingcertaintojustbarelybrushthebackofherhand.Itwasasilentcontinuanceoftheirplay,adare.
Sophiapartedherlips,butwhatevershewasgoingtosaywaslostasshesuckedinabreath,aspreadofblackstaininghereyes.“Max.”
Sophiafeltherselfkickedintoamemoryretrievalwithruthlessforce.Exceptthiswasdifferent.Notonlytheviolencewithwhichshe’dbeenplungedintothememory,butherorientationwithinin.Usually,withotherpeople’smemories,shesawwhattheindividualinquestionhadseen,lookedthroughhisorhereyes
Here,itwasasifshewasanimpartialobserver,athirdpartywhollyunconnectedtotheeventsplayingoutbelow—inwhatappearedtobeafilthyalleycrushedbetweentwodirtytenementbuildings.
Theywerechildren.Twoboys.Thedarkhairedonewaspainfullythin,hislegstoolongforhisbody,hiseyesliquiddarkinafacethatwassobeautiful,sheknewhemust’vegottenteasedforit—buthe’dgrownintothatface,turneditsavagelymasculinewithsheerstrengthofwill.“Yougottastopthis,”hesaidtotheboyoppositehim.
Hesmiled,thatboywithhisincrediblelilaceyesandhairthecolorofripewheatturnedtogold.Ifthefirstboywasbeautiful,thisonewasayounggod.Hislipswereflawlesslyshaped,hisskinporcelain,andhisvoice,whenhespoke,asclearasthepurestofbells.“Why?”
“Why?”Thefirstboy,theboySophiaknew,grabbedhisfriend’sarm,turningitovertorevealtheuglinessofneedletracks.“Ifthisiswhatit’sdoingtoyouontheoutside,whatdoyouthinkit’sdoingtoyouontheinside?”
Theotherboysmiledagainandthistime,Sophiacaughtit,thatodddisconnectioninhisgaze,thestareofsomeonewhowasn’tquitepresent.“Ittakesmeflying,Maxie.”
“It’sfake.”Max’shandsontheotherboy’sface,forcingthegoldenchildtomeethisgaze,hisvoiceflinthard.“It’sjustmake-believe.Youknowthat.Whenyoucrash,ithurts.”
Amomentofstrangeclarity.“Sowhat?What’ssogoodaboutourlife?Huh?”ThegoldenchildcuppedMax’sfaceinturn.“Oneofhermentriedtotouchmelastnight.”
ColdrageturnedMax’sexpressiontoice.“I’llkillhim.”
Truth,Sophiathought,thatwastheunvarnishedtruth.
“It’sokay.Mumscreamedandkickedhimout.”HepressedhisforeheadtoMax’sinapainfulkindofaffection.“Sheprotectsme.Whydoesn’tsheprotectyou?”
Thinshoulderssaggingforaninstant.“Idon’tknow,River.”
Avividblackness,aconnectionbeingcut,andSophiafeltairwhistlingintoherlungsinaviolent,bitingrush.
“Sophie!Lookatme.”Max’shandonhercheek,atactileshockthatmadehereyessnapopen.
Hedroppedhishandatonce,whitelinesbracketinghismouth.“Talktome.”
“Nothere.”Herthroatwasshredded,linedwithamillionsplinters.“Getmehome.Please,Max.”
Andsomehow,hedid.
Herkneesbuckledtheinstanttheywereinsidehisapartment.
“I’vegotyou.”Catchingherupinhisarms—andbeingcarefultoavoidanyskin-to-skincontact—Maxcarriedhertothesofa.Butinsteadofsettingherdown,hetookaseatwithherinhislap.“Shh,”hesaidwhenshegrewstiff.“Letmeholdyou.”
“Max—”
“Ineedtodothis.”Afiercewhisper.
Whenhedidnothingexceptholdher,sherelaxed,layingherheadonhisshoulder.Itwassotemptingtoplaceherhandonhisothershoulder,buthewasonlywearingafinecottonshirtandshewasn’tsureifthebarrierwouldbestrongenough.Notaftertheimpactofwhatshe’dseen,andwithhimsowarmandsolidaroundher,thescentofhimanunambiguouslymasculineblendofheat,soap,andafreshpinethatsheknewwashisaftershave.
Drawingitin,shesighed,meltingintohisembrace.Shecouldhavecuddledintohimforever,butshehadtoknow,hadtoask.“WhoisRiver?”
Maxfrozeatthequietquestion,hisheartpunchingagainsthisribssohard,hehalfexpectedtoseeblooddothischest.“Myyoungerbrother.”
Sophiastilledwithinhisarms,butherquestion,whenitcame,waspractical.Psy.“YouhaveclearmarkersofAsiandescent,whilehewasunquestionablyCaucasian.”
Thelogicalquerycalmedhim,gavehimananchor.“Helooked—looksexactlylikeourmother.”Riverhadbeenhershadowandhermirror.Andintheendthatknowledgehadbrokenhisbrother.“Wehaddifferentfathers.Hiswasasblondasourmother.”WhileMax’swasanunknown,amanwho’dgivenhimonlythegeneticheritageofanotherculture.“Nooneeverbelievedwewerebrothers.”Buttheywere.They’dcomefromthesamewomb,grownupinthesamehell.
“Ishe—”Apause,alongbreath.“Youwantedtousethepasttense.”
Anotherstabofpain,buthedidn’ttellhertodropthesubject.Ithadbeensolongsincehe’dspokenofRivertosomeonewho’dknownhim—andsomehow,heknewhisJdid.“RiverdisappearedwhenIwasalmostfourteenandhewaseleven.HewassolostinthedrugsbythenthatIknowhecan’thavesurvivedlong…butpartofmewakesupeverymorninghopingthatwhenIopenthedoor,I’llseehimontheotherside.”
Sophiashiftedposition,herglovedhandrisingtocurvehesitantlyoverthebackofhisneck.“I’msorry,Max.Ididn’tmeantoinvadeyourmemories.”
“Ithoughtmyshield—”
Sheshookherhead.“MosttelepathswhoarebornwiththeabilitytobeJsoftenalsohavesomelatentorweakFabilities.”
Maxfrowned.“Foreseersseethefuture.”
“Usually,yes.Butthereisasmallsubgroupthatseesthepast.It’stermedbacksight.”
Heknewshewastalkingsofactuallybecauseshe’dreadhispain,wastryingtodistancehimfromittheonlywaysheknewhow,hisvulnerableJwithaheartthatunderstoodhowmuchmemoriescouldhurt.“YousawRiverinaflashofbacksight.”
“Yes.It’sthefirstincidentI’veeverhad.”Eyeshaunted,sheplacedherhandonhisshoulder.“Ifstatisticsholdtrue,that’sprobablythesingleoneI’lleverexperience.”
“Yousoundglad.”
“I’veneverfeltsohelpless,”shewhispered.
“Whatdidyousee?”Hishearttwisted—there’dbeennohorrorinhereyes,soperhapsshe’dseenasliceofhappiness.
“Youandyourbrotherinanalley.Youweretryingtotalkhimoutofdoingdrugs.”
“Itriedsomanytimes.”Maxdroppedhisheadagainsther.“HewastheonepersonIloved,theonepersonwhomattered.ButIcouldn’tsavehim.”
“Hewassoyoung,”Sophiasaid.
“Anddamaged—somuchthathecouldn’tseeanyotherwayout.”Maxwishedhecouldgobackintime,convinceRiverthatnoneofitwashisfault.“Heblamedhimselfforthingsoverwhichhehadnocontrol.”
Herhandstrokedhisnape,soft,hesitant,butgaininginconfidence.“Hesaid…hesaid…”
Andheknewshehadn’tmissedoutonthehorror.“Tellme.”
“Hesaidshedidn’tprotectyou.”
Thepainofthechildhe’dbeenspearedthroughhim.“Itwasasifmymotherhadtwopersonalities.”Oneforeachson.“Asanadult,IknowIcould’vedonenothingtobringonthekindofhatredshefelttowardme—butpartofmestillbelievesthatIdidsomethingtomakehertreatmethewayshedid.”Hisvoicebroke.
Sophia’sbreathwhisperedoverhishairassheheldhim,asshe,awomanbornofaracewithnoemotion,gavehimmoreaffectionthanthewomanwho’dgivenbirthtohim.CHAPTER21
Saschalaycurledupinbedaroundsixthatevening,tiredthoughshe’ddoneverylittle.Butshedidn’tfeeltheneedtomove—itwasnicetoliesurroundedbythewarm,masculinescentofthepantherwhowashermate.Snugglingintohispillow,sheopenedupthetextthatwasherownpersonalguidebook—andanendlesssourceoffrustration.
However,shefeltmorehopefulofdecipheringtheobliquenatureofsomeofthechapterstoday,afterhavingspokentoaForgottenempath,anelderlyladynamedMaya.
“Onlycardinalscouldstopriots,”MayahadsaidinresponsetoSascha’squestion,hertrimfigureactiveasshepacedinfrontofhercommscreen.“SoIwasn’ttaughthow,butIhaveavaguememoryofmygrandmothertalkingabouta‘terminalfield.’”
Mayahadn’tbeenabletodigupanymemoriesofwhatthetermmightactuallymean,butitwasastart.Withthatinmind,SaschawasabouttorereadthesectiononriotcontrolwhensheheardLucasmovingaboutinthelivingarea.“Lucas.”Shekepthertonesoft,knowinghe’dhear.
Hefilledthedoorway,allgreeneyesanddarkhair.Suchabeautifulman,washermate.Suchadangerousone,too,especiallywhentheprotectivestreakthathadbeenhonedinbloodwasridinghim.“Doyouhavetimetodiscusssomething?”
Hisexpressiongentled.“Twominutes?IwanttosendthisnoteofftoZara.”
“I’llbehere.”Watchingasheleft,sheplayedwiththespineoftheEldridgebook.
“Youneedabetterbedtimestory.”Lucasprowledintosprawlonhisbackbesideher.
Sheraisedherheadinstinctively,andheslidonearmbeneathbeforeturningtocurvehisbigbodyaroundhers.Ithadbecometheirfavoritesleepingposition.
“I’mnotsleepy,”shesaid.“Justwantedtorestmyfeet.”
“I’llgiveyouafootrub.”
Joyshimmeredthroughher,anincandescentlight.“Lucas,youdorealizeyou’respoilingmebeyondredemption?”
“Don’tworry—Iplantoignoreyouonceyougivememybabyprincess.”
Shelaughed,secureintheknowledgeofhislove.“DidyoumanagetotalktoSienna?”Theteenager,partofafamilyofPsydefectorsthathadfoundsanctuarywiththeSnowDancerwolves,hadbeenstayingwithDarkRiveronandoffforthepastfewmonths.
“ShegotuptotheSnowDancerdensafeandsound.”Akisspressedtothesensitiveskinbelowherear.“She’saverygooddriver.”
“AndKit?”TheDarkRivermalewasayoungsoldier,afuturealpha—andappearedtobeforminganattachmenttoSienna.
“He’sstilldownhere.”Lucassoundedasifhewasfrowninginthought.“Idon’tknowifwehaveanyrighttosayanything.They’rebothadults.”
“I’mnotsureifSiennaisthinkingstraight.”ThePsyteenagerhadbeenclosetothebreakingpointwhenshefirstcametostaywithDarkRiver.She’dstabilizedsincethen,but…“How’sHawke?”
Lucasdidn’tcurseatthementionoftheSnowDanceralpha,anindicationofjusthowseriouslyhewastakingthis.“Seemsfine,butit’shardtoreadanotheralpha—wegetprettygoodatkeepingourthoughtstoourselveswhennecessary.”
“HawkeandSienna—there’ssomethingthere.”Araw,almostangryfury.“WithKit,it’shardertopinpoint.Icansensesomethingbetweenthem,butwhat,Ican’tyettell.”
“Kitwouldbethebetterchoiceforher,”Lucassaidinaquiettonethatdidnothingtohidethedepthofhisconcernforeveryoneinvolved.“Hawkeisn’tgoingtobeeasyonanywomanhetakesashisown.Andthefactis,helostthegirlwhowould’vebeenhismateasachild.Idon’tknowifhiswolfwillallowhimtoacceptanotherfemaleonthatlevel.”
Saschahadnoanswertothat.Likechangelingleopards,wolvesmatedforlife.She’dsensedHawke’sanger,hiswolf’stormentedrage,butshe’dalsosensedSienna’sanguishatherresponsetotheSnowDanceralpha.AndthentherewasKit—gorgeous,loyal,strongKit.
“Isthatwhatyouwantedtodiscuss?”Lucastookthebookfromherhandandputitonthebedsidetablebeforereturningtoholdhercloseagain.
TheimpofmischiefthathadawakenedaftershematedwithLucasmadeasuddenappearance.“No—didyouhearthewolvesarecallingMercy‘their’sentinel?”
Agrowlthatmadeeveryhaironherbodyriseinprimalresponse.“Shemight’vehadthebadtastetomatewithawolf,butshe’sours.Theytrytoco-opther,I’llbegivingyouanice,newHawke-furcoatforyourbirthday.”
Unabletowithholdherlaughter,shepattedhisarm.“You’resoeasy.”
“Brat.”Butthepantherwaslaughingwithher.“Youokay?”
SheknewhewastalkingaboutNikita,abouttheconfusedemotionsinSascha’sheart.“I’mgettingthere.”CHAPTER22
Sophie,mysweet,sexy,Sophie,IdothinkI’dliketounbuttonthatperfectlittlesuitjacket.Afterthat,I’dliketoslipeachandeverytinypearlbuttonoutofitsslottoopenyourshirttothewaist.
—HandwrittennotefromMaxtoSophia
MaxwalkedoutoftheshoweranhourlatertofindMorpheusglaringathimfromthebed.“What?”heasked,pullingonapairofjeansandadarkgreenT-shirt
Thecatcontinuedtoglare.
“Ifedyou,”Maxmuttered,gladfortheprosaicrealityoflifeforgivinghimawayoutofthememoriesthathadhauntedhimforoveradecade.“Don’tscowlatmebecauseyousnarfeditinoneminuteandnowhaveastomachache.”
Morpheuslickedhispaw.Hewasnotamused
Decidingnottopetthedamncatrightthenincaseitdecidedtobiteoffhishand,heranacombthroughhishairandwalkedouttothekitchen.Thankstothegroceryshoppinghe’ddonethedayhearrived,hehadalltheingredientsforthedinnerheplannedtocookforSophia.
“Shouldn’twefocusonthecase?”she’daskedbeforeshelefthisapartment,hereyeshuge.“Myincidenthasalreadytakentimewecould’vespentgoingovertheevidence.”
He’drealized,withastrangewarmthinhischest,thatshewasonceagaintryingtohelphiminherownway—thatsmartmindhadfiguredouthe’dfeelbetterifheburiedhimselfinwork.“Wecandiscussasweeat,”he’dsaid.“And,Ithinkwe’vegottime.”
“Whydoyousoundsocertain?”
“Youknowthepatternwetalkedabout?”
“Withthevictimsallbeingmurderedonthevergeofamajordeal?”Anintentlook.“EdwardChan’smurderdoesn’tfit.”
“Ididsomediggingonthat.”He’dsethiscellphonetorunanumberofInternetsearches,glancedattheresultsastheyfinishedupthefinalinterviewtoday.“ChanwasscheduledtospeakbeforeagroupofchangelingalphasinSouthAmericalaterthisweek.NoPsyhaseverbeforebeenaccededthatright.”
Sophiahadgoneveryquiet.“DidtheykillhimbecausehewasabouttogetNikitaaccesstoamajoruntappedmarket—”
“—orbecausethecontactwould’veviolatedabeliefinPurity?”Fromwhathe’dlearnedofPurePsy,hewasconvincedtheywouldn’tshyawayfrommurder.“Nowaytotell.ButI’mgoingtocallNikita,alerthertothepossibility.”
WhenhedidcontactNikita,she’dnotonlyagreedwithhistheory,she’dconfirmedthatnootherprojectwasatastagewhichmighttriggerakill.“I’vealsogottwenty-four-hoursurveillanceonallmyhigh-levelpeople.Theywon’tbeeasytargets—andifoneofthemisbehindthis,itshouldgivehimpause.”
Now,asMaxbegantopreparedinner,heconsideredthepossibleimpactofhisandSophia’sinvestigationontheconspiracy.Notsignificant,hedecided.Whoeverwasbehindthis—thekingpin—wasrunningthingswithacool,clearhead.Heorshewouldn’tbeputofftheirgamebyamerehumanandaJattheendofherusefullife.
Hisjawwenttightjustasthedoorbellchimed.Puttingdowntheknifehe’dbeenusingtochopupsomeherbs,hewenttothedoorandpulleditopen.Thewomanatthecenterofhisthoughtsstoodontheothersidedressedinjeansandacardiganinadelicatecreamshadethatmadehimwanttopeelitopen—toexposeskinofanevenrichercream.
“Max?”Hervoicewastentativewhenhecontinuedtoblockthedoorway.
Hesteppedback,waitinguntilshewasinsideandawayfromthecamerasbeforehegaveintotheurgetotouchher.Liftingawayherhair,hepressedasinglekisstothesoftskinofhernape.
Hershiverwasviolent,butshedidn’tpullaway.“Iwasn’tsureifIwasmeanttocontributeanythingtothemeal.”Abreathyvoice,herheadangledslightlytotheside,asifshewaswelcominganotherkiss.
Unabletoresisttheexquisitetemptation,hemovedbehindher,puthishandsonherhips,andsaid,“You’llbedessert.”
Sophiafeltherthroatlock,herskinstretchpainfullytautoverherbody.“Areyouplaying?”shefinallymanagedtosay.“Likewiththenotes?”
Max’sbreathagainstherneck.“No.”
Sheballedherfingersintofists.Anemotionalreaction.Onethatwould’veconcernedherbeforeshe’ddecidedtolive…tolove.Shewasn’tsuresheknewhow,wasn’tsurethecapacityhadn’tbeencutoutofherwithbrutalefficiency.ButMaxwasimportant.She’dkillforhim,shethought,thismanwhosawinherawomanworthtrusting…awomanworthteasing.“Thiscardiganhaspearlbuttons,too,”shewhispered.
Hisbodyseemedtorelaxafractionatherreferencetothenotehe’ddroppedintoherbagearlier,andshehopedshe’dbroughtsomelightintohisheart.“Witch.”
Releasingherclenchedfingersonebyone,sheliftedherhandsandthen,verydeliberately,strippedoffhergloves.Droppingthemtothefloor,shereachedforhishand.
Hispalmmethers,hisfingerstwiningwithherowntocurlintoherpalm.
Foraninstant,everythingwentblack.Whenshecouldseeagain,shefoundherselfleaningagainstMax’schest,hisfreehandcurvedoverherabdomenasheheldheragainstthemasculineheatofhisbody.“I’mhere.”Aroughmurmur.
Sheclungtothestrengthofhim,theleanmuscleofhisbodyasolidwallinashiftinguniverse.Itwasdifficulttobreathe—hewasintheair,too,aninvisiblecaress.Dark,potent,male,Maxsurroundedher.
“Yourshields,”hesaidagainstherear,hislipstouchingherskininsmall,eroticbites.“Areyousafe?”
Knowinghewasrighttobeconcerned,sheopenedherpsychiceyeandcheckedherprotectionsagainstthePsyNet,readytopatchanyfractures,hideanyweaknesses.Whatshesawmadehergomotionless.“They’reholding,butnotinanormalway.”
“Explain.”
“Myshieldshavealwaysbeenrocksolid,butnow…they’removing.It’sasifI’minthemiddleofatornado.”Thepsychicwindblewbackherhairasshestoodshockedinthecenterofhermind.“Nothingcangetinoroutbecausethelayersshiftconstantly,tearingapartanythingthatattemptstopenetrate.”
“Isitharmingyou?”
“No.It’sefficientbeyondanythingI’veeverseen,butitmaybringattentiontome.”She’dsurvivedthislongbybeingfaultlesswhenitcametoherwork,butdeliberatelyunremarkableinanyotherway—theperfectPsy.
Evenasshespoke,therewasamentalknockonhermind.“Someone’sseen,”shesaid,beforeansweringthetelepathiccontact.Sir.
JayKhanna’spsychicvoicewasclear,direct,histelepathicreachcloseto9.8ontheGradient.ThatreachhadgivenrisetospeculationthatthereasonKhannahadbeentakenofftheactiverosteratanearlyagewasbecausetheCouncilhadotherusesforhistelepathy.Ms.Russo,hesaidnow,there’sbeenasignificantchangeinyourshields.Doyouneedassistance?
Itwasathinlyveiledqueryaboutwhetherherconditioningwasclosetototalcollapse.Ifshesaidyes,she’dbepickedupforemergencyreconditioning—andfindherselfundergoingtotalandcomprehensiverehabilitation,hermemoriesofMaxscrubbedaway,hermindbrokenuntilitwasnothingbutanemptyshell.
SilentlythankingtheM-Psywho’dtoldherthetruthaboutherstatus,shesaid,Myshieldsappeartohaveevolvedtoprovidebetterprotection.
Shieldsdonotevolve.
No,shethought,theydidn’t.Imisspoke,sir.I’vebeenworkingwiththeideaofthistypeofashieldforawhile—theysimplywentintoeffectbeforeIplanned.Itwasareasonableresponse—allJstinkeredconstantlywiththeirshieldsinanefforttoekeoutanotherday,anotherhouroflife.
Khannaacceptedherexplanation,histoneretainingitsprofessionalismasheswitchedtopics.HaveyoureviewedtheValentinefile?
Yes,sir.
Andyourconclusions?
Remainunchanged.
Verywell.Continuewithyourcurrentassignment.
Endingthetelepathicconversation,SophiasaggedagainstMax,tellinghimwhathadoccurred.Maxmovedthehandhehadonherabdomen,incitingastrangetwistingsensationinherbody.Itwasn’tpainful.No,itwas…interesting.“Whatelseisup?”heasked.
“What?”
“Yourexpressionchangedtowardtheend.”
Shethoughtaboutwhatherbosshadaskedhertodo,thought,too,whatitwouldmeantosharethatwithMax.He’dknow.Whatshe’ddone.Thelinesshe’dcrossed.Painrippleddownherspine.“Idon’twanttotellyou,”shesaid,incapableofanysophisticatedevasionwhenitcametothisman.
Tohersurprise,Maxsqueezedherhipsandsaid,“Keepyoursecrets”—hisvoiceanintimatedarknessinherear—“fornow.”
MaxfeltSophia’shandtightenonhis,wantedonlytobendhisheadevenfartherandputhismouthontheunsteadybeatofherpulse,suckhard.Thepossessiveurge,theviolentneedtoclaimhertothecorewasagnawingacheinhisgut.Hewantedtheworldtoknowshewashis—makecertainnoonewoulddarelayafingeronher.
Ittookeveryounceofwillhehadtofightthecravingandleadhertothebarstoolsonthissideofthekitchencounter.Droppingherhand,heputbothofhisaroundherwaistandliftedherontoastool.
Herhandsflewtohisshoulders.Gripped.
Asweepofblackerasedheririsesbetweenoneblinkandthenext.
“Sophie.”Hesqueezedherwaist.“Staywithme.”
“I’mrighthere.”
“Youreyes.”
“Oh.”Sheblinked,buttheblackremained.“Ithappenswhenweutilizeastrongburstofpsychicpower,or…Isuppose”—awashofcoloracrosshercheekbones—“feelanintenseemotionalresponse.”
Themalenessinhimsmiledinsensualsatisfaction.“Ilikethesoundofthat.”Leaningforward,heslickedhislipsoverherown,ateasethatmadehiscockthrob—butconsciousofhowfarhe’dalreadypushedher,hewasontheothersideofthecounterbeforesheexhaledandswiveledtofacehim.
“That,”shesaid,“was…interesting.”Herchestroseandfellinlong,deepbreaths,herskincoloredwithaheatthatinvitedaman’smouth.
Theexcruciatingpulseofhisbody,theunremittinghunger,might’veconsumedhimifhehadn’thadsomethingcriticallyimportantinmindforthisevening.“Letmefinishmakingthissauce,”hesaid,voiceroughwithsexualdesire.“Youwanttoshredthelettuceforthesalad?”
Hewaiteduntilshe’dwashedherhandsandretakenherseatbeforeaskingthequestiontowhichheneededananswerbeforehecouldbegintoworkouthowtoengineerherdefection,howtokeepherforever.“Sophia—I’vebeenpatient.”Hishandfisted,becauseheknewthistruthwouldbenothinggood,butatleasthe’dhaveastartingpoint.“TellmewhereJsgowhentheystopworking.”
Aquiet,quietmoment.“SomewhoareremovedfromtheactiverosterearlyenoughtakeupdeskjobsinJustice,”shesaidinavoicesosofthehadtostraintohearher,“othersgoinsane,andtherestofus…wedie.”CHAPTER23
Maxstaggered,bracinghishandsonthecounter.“Tellme”
“MySensitivity”—sheglancedbackatherdiscardedgloves—“isaresultoffailingtelepathicshields.They’resothinnowthatwhentheyshear,thethoughtsofeveryman,woman,andchildinthiscitywillsmashintomybrain,crushmymind.”
ThebrutalforecasthadMaxclenchinghisjaw.“Howlong?”
“Notlong.”
Anger—hot,protective,violent—wasarushofwhitenoiseinhisears.“Whenwereyouplanningtotellme?”
Sophiaswallowedatthetautlyheldfuryinthatquestion.“I’msorry.”Ithurthertoseehimsoangrywithher.“Ithoughtifyouknewhow…brokenItrulywas,youwouldn’twantme.”
“Sophie.”Alow,darkword,ashakeofhisheadthatmadethesleekblackstrandsofhishaircatchthelight.“They’llrehabilitateyouiftheyfindouthowcloseyouaretotheedge,that’sthebottomline?”
“Yes.”
Hisshouldersfirmed,theintelligenceinhiseyesarazor.“Theycan’tdothatifyou’reoutoftheNet.We’llfigureoutawaytofuckingrebuildyourshieldsonceyou’resafe.”
Hewasfightingforher,shethoughtwithawrenchdeepinsideofher.Neverhadanyonefoughtforher.She’dneverbeenimportantenough.Itbrokewhatfragiledefensesshemight’vestillhad—shecouldn’t,wouldn’t,holdbackthefinaltruth.“WithoutthebiofeedbackmymindneedsfromtheNet,”shebegan,“I’lldiewithinseconds.”Realizingshe’dsomehowshreddedtheentirelettuce,shebegantopeelthecucumberonthecounter.
“Saschaisn’tdead.”Maxpushedbackfromthecounter,foldinghisarmsacrosshischest.“NeitheraretheotherPsyinDarkRiver.”
“Yes,they’vefoundanexitroute.”Finishedwiththepeeling,shebegantoslicethecucumberintoprecise,thinslices.“However,evenshouldsuchanexitbeopentootherJs,Icouldn’ttakeit.”
Asilentpause,histhrummingangerawhipagainstherskin.
“Ifunctionasaminoranchor.”Sophiaknewsheshouldn’tbespeakingofthis.Theagonyspearingthroughhernerves,aconditionedresponse,toldheritwasdeeplyforbidden.Butshewanted,needed,Maxtounderstand.
“Keeptalking.”Itwasanorder.
Partofherwantedtorebel,butsheknewshe’dpushedhimtoofar—anythingmoremightdestroythisbondbetweenthem,thisbeautifulthingthathadneverbeenmeantforsomeonesobroken—butthatsherefusedtogiveup.Maxwashergift.“Anchorsareliterallythat,”shesaid,fightingthepainwiththestubbornpossessivenessinsideofher.“They’rebornwiththeabilitytomergeintothePsyNetitself.Theyhelpkeepitstableandarealmostalwayscardinals.”
Maxtappedthecounterinfrontofher.Jerkingupherhead,shesawhimholdingoutahand.“Knife.”
Shegaveittohim,realizingthecucumberwasnowinhundredsoftiny,tinysquares.“Oh.”
Noshrug,nosmilethatrevealedtheleandimpleinhischeek.Thelossspearedthroughher.She’dseenhumanandchangelingwomencoaxtheirmenintosmiles,buthadneverimaginedshemightonedayneedtodothesame.Orthatshe’dsodesperatelywantto.Gettingoffthestool,shewipedherhandsonatowel.“Max—”
“No.”Hepinnedherwithhisgaze.“Sohelpme,Sophie,I’msofuckingmadatyourightnow—”Heblewoutabreath.“Helpmesetthetable.”
Shegavein,awareforthefirsttimethatMax’srelentlesswillwould,ofcourse,translateintoaninexorablekindofanger.Neitherofthemspokeagainuntiltheywereseatedacrossfromeachother,theirmealsinfrontofthem.Morpheusappearedoutofnowheretositonherfeet.
“Don’tfeedhim,”Maxsaid.“He’sgettingfat.”
Shegavehimaninnocentlookevenasshediscreetlydroppedapieceofbreadforthecat—whoseemedtohaveastrangepredilectionforit.“Ofcoursenot.”
Aglintofamusementlitthecoldfireinhiseyes.“If”—hesatback,atigermomentarilyatrest—“anchorsareusuallycardinals,whyareyoudoingtheirjob?”Hisbicepsdrewhereyeasheclaspedhishandsatthebackofhishead.
ItwasdifficulttothinkpastthecompulsionshehadtogetupandpeelMax’sT-shirtoffhisbody,long-dormantinstinctsawakeningtotellherthattouchwouldreachhimfarfasteranddeeperthanwordsevercould.
“Youdon’tgettoplay”—alow,darkvoice—“untilyou’restraightwithme.Thenwe’lltalkaboutpunishment.”
Hertoescurled.“Cardinals,”shemanagedtosaythroughthecrashingwaveofneed,“arerare,andcardinalswhocanbeanchorsareevenrarer.”Agonyspikedoutofnowhere,wipingouttheothersensations.Therewas,itseemed,onethreadofconditioningstillactiveinher—theCouncildidnotlikePsyspeakingaboutthecriticalnetworkofanchors.
“However,non-cardinalindividualscansometimesdeveloptheabilitytomergewiththeNet.”Shegrippedherkneestightinordertorideouttheincreasingwavesofpain.“We’renottrueanchors—morelike…smallweightsonthenet,helpingtokeepitinshape,inplace.Therearen’tenoughtrueanchorstodoeverything.”
Morpheuspattedherfootwithapaw.Gladforthetouchofreality,shesnuckhimanotherpieceofbreadasMaxspoke.“Nowthatdoesn’tmakesense.Noself-supportingecosystemwouldeffectivelycrippleitself.”
Sheblinked,havingneverthoughtofitthatway.Whileshewasstilltryingtofigureouthowtheshortagecouldhaveoccurred,Maxforkedupabiteofrice,liftedittoherlips.
Sheopenedhermouthwithoutthought,lethimfeedher.Thefeelofthetinesslidingoutfrombetweenherlipswasacool,slowpleasure.“Whydidyoudothat?”sheaskedafterswallowingtheunexpectedbite.“Ithoughtyouwereangrywithme?”
Afaintsmile.“Ifindmyselffascinatedbyyourmouth.ThethingsI’dliketodotoit…EvenwhenI’mfurious,youmakemecrazy,J.”
Abrushofheatacrossherbody,aphysiologicalreactionshedidn’tquiteunderstand…butonethatwipedoutthepain.Oh.Shelookedathim,athercop.“Howdidyouknow?”Aboutthepain,aboutthehurt.
“BecauseIknowyou.”Thesensualteasingdisappearedfromhisface.“Nowtellmewhyanchorscan’tleavetheNet.”
“MostPsyhaveasinglelinktotheNetdeepwithintheirmind,andthedefectorsmusthavecutthatlinktoleave,butanchorsarewovenintothePsyNet’sveryfabricbymillionsuponmillionsoffineconnections.”TheNetwasbothsafetyandasteelcage.“IfItriedtoleave,deathwouldbeinstantaneous—butthat’snottheworstpart.BecauseoftheparticularwayI’mintegratedintoitsframework,partofme,mymemories,mypersonality,isanchoredintheNet.”
Maxputdownhisfork,appetitegone.“You’resayingyou’lleffectivelyrehabilitateyourselfifyoutrytoleave.”
“Yes.”
Maxwasn’tsurehebelievedthat.Fromwhathecouldtell,Silencewasaformofbrainwashing.Andwhatbetterwaytoensurecompliancethanbyconvincingsomeonetheycouldn’tleavetheNet?
“YouthinkI’vebeenblindedtothetruth.”
Itdidn’tsurprisehimanymore,thatshewasabletoreadhimwithsuchease.“You’vebeeninthatworldyourwholelife.It’shardtoseewhat’srightinfrontofyousometimes.”He’dspenthischildhoodpretendinghismotherlovedhim.Ithadbeennecessaryforhissurvival,butithadbeenawillfulblindness.InSophia’scase,itwasmorelikelyaconditionedresponse.
Butsheshookherhead,hereyesbleak.“Jsare,bythenatureofourwork,farmoreawareoftheharshrealitiesoflifethanotherPsy.I’velookedattheissuefromeveryangle,andtheunavoidablefactisthatonceintegratedinsuchacomplexway,amindcannotphysicallydisengage—evenifIsomehowsurvivedthephysicalbraindamage,thepersonwhoremainedwouldn’tbeSophiaRusso.”
Coldspreadthroughhisveins,buthewasn’tabouttogiveup.“AreyougoingtotellmehowyoudevelopedtheabilitytomergewiththeNet,whyyou’resoinexorablytiedtoit?”He’dheardsomethinginherwordswhenshe’dspokenofit,aslighthesitationthatprickedathisinstincts.
Sheputdownherownfork.“Canwesitnearertoeachother?”
Hisgutclenchedatthepolitewayshe’daskedforcomfort—readyforrejection.Alwayssoreadytoberejected.Hewonderedifshewasevenawareofit,buthewas,anditsavagedhimtorealizehowbadlyshe’dbeenhurt.“Yeah.Letmeclearthetablefirst.”
“I’llhelpyou.Wemayaswellwashthemsothatwecanconcentrateonthecaselateron.”Itwasasshewasdryingadish—havingreplacedhergloves—thatMaxcouldn’tstandthepainfulquietnessofheranylonger.Movingbehindher,hepressedakisstothecurveofherneck.
Shedroppedthedish.
“Gotit.”Placingtheunbrokenitemonthecounterinfrontofher,hepushedbackandforcedhimselftoheadtothecoffeemaker,thoughhewantedonlytowraphisarmsaroundherandholdhertight,sotight.“Somethingtodrink?”
Sophiaansweredwithoutthought.“Yes.”Handsstilltrembling,shewatchedashepouredasinglecupofcoffee,thenheatedupamugofmilk.Shewantedtotouchherfingerstoherneck,tofeeltheechoofhiskiss,theslightraspofhisunshavenjawagainstherskin.
“Comehere.”Aquietcommand,eyesthatdrewherforward.
Closingthesmalldistancebetweenthem,shepartedherlipstoaskforanotherkiss—drivenbyherneedtobewithhim—whenhetookthespoonhe’dbeenusingtostiradarkmixintothemilkandputittoherlips.“Taste.”
Itwasimpossibletodoanythingelse.Theburstofsensationwassharp,almostbitter,exquisiteinitsrichness.Sheputherhandonhiswristwhenhewould’vewithdrawnthespoon,thefeelofhimsolidandtemptingunderherglove.
Shakinghisheadinagentletease,Maxdrewawaythespoon,slow,soslow.“Thewholecup’sforyou.”Thenheleanedforwardandkissedher,lickinghistongueovertheseamofherlipsasiftostealtheflavor.
ShegrippedhisT-shirtasthefloordisappearedfrombeneathher.Groaning,Maxpulledback—butonlyaftergrazingherlowerlipwithhisteeth.Liquidwarmthpooledbetweenherthighs,makingherbodyclench.
“Takeyourchocolate”—anorderinavoicegonesandpaperrough—“andgositbeforeIgiveintotemptationandunbuttonyourcardigan,putmyhandsonyourbeautifulbreasts.”
Heturnedawayevenasshetriedtoprocessthesearingsensualityofthatimage.Theideaofthosestrong,cleverhandsonherflesh,thatsleekhairbrushingoverherashebentcloser…Howdidwomensurvivesuchviciouscravings?Holdingthechocolatehe’dmadeforher,shewatchedhercop’sT-shirtstretchacrosshisshouldersasheraisedhisarmtoputthemixbackintoanuppercabinet.
Hewasbeautiful.
Andhe’dgivenhertherighttotouchhim.Evenmad,hewouldn’tpushheraway,wouldn’trejectherasimperfect.
Notgivingherselfachancetochangehermind,sheputdownthemug,closedthedistancebetweenthem,andwrappedherarmsaroundhimfrombehind,restinghercheekagainsthisback.
“Sophie.”
Themasculinefireofhimsoakedthroughherskin,anear-painfulbite.“WhenIbegantoshowJtendenciesasachild,”shesaid,holdingon,holdingtight,“Iwasplacedinaresidentialfacilitywithothertelepathswhoneededspecializedtraining.”
Max’shandsclosedoverherglovedones,buthedidn’tturn,lettingherusehisbodyasashieldagainstthedarkthathadneversetherfree.“Someonehurtyouthere.”Hisvoicewasjagged,hismusclesrigid.
“Wewereinaremotelocation,”shesaid,findingcourageinhisstrength.“Becauseyoungtelepaths,especiallythosewithunusualabilities,tendtohavetroublewithshields,it’seasiertotrainusoutofthecities.”Practicalwords,buttheotherhalfofher,thehalfthathadbeenbornthatsummertwodecadesago,clungtothesolidwallofMax,afraid,soveryafraid.“SotherewasnoonetonoticethatourinstructorwasbeginningtoactbeyondSilence.LikeBonner.”
“Hewasatruesociopath.”Icyrageineveryword.
Shehelditclose,useditasaweaponagainstthepast.“ThesummerIturnedeight,hetookfourofus—fourtraineeJs—toanother,evenmoreremotelocationforintensivedrills.Beforeweleft,herequestedandreceivedpermissiontoencloseusinhisshieldssothatwecoulddropourswithoutconsequencesshouldwehavetroubleduringthedrills.”HerfingersdugintoMax’schest,andshewantedtotearthroughthefabric,pressherskintohis,burythepastunderanagonyofsensation.
“Sophie.”Avoicescrapedraw.“Icanwait,baby.I’msorryfor—”
Sheshookherhead.“No.”Shewantedhimtoknow,neededhimtoknow.“Onceourinstructor”—shecouldn’tsayhisname,herterrortoodeep—“hadusaloneandinthecageofhisshield…hehurtus.”Sophiacouldstillremembertheirshock,theirinabilitytounderstand.“Carriediedthefirstday.Shewasthesmallest,theweakest.”Andthemonsterhadbrokenherinhiseagerness.
“Hewasmorecarefulafterthat.Bilardiedonthethirdday.”He’dconvulsedinfrontofherandLin,andtheycoulddonothingtohelp,theirhandsandfeettiedbehindtheirbacks,theirmouthstapedshut.Sophiahaddaredthemonster’sangerandreachedoutwithhertelepathy,refusingtoletBilardiealone.Hisscreamshadechoedinsidehermindforhours.
Max’shandstightenedonhers.“Whydidn’tyourparents,thewatchersinyourPsyNet,sensehisdeviancy?”
“Don’tyousee,Max?”Hervoiceshook.“HewastheperfectPsy.”Silencedidn’tdifferentiatebetweenthosewhohadbeenconditionedandthosewhosimplydidnotfeel
“Ishedead?”Aquietquestionaskedinavoicethatmadetheotherhalfofher,thescaredbrokenchild,gomotionless,wondering…
“Yes.”Whenhedidn’tsayanythingelse,shecontinued.“LinandI,wewerethelasttwoleft.Hewasnine,Iwaseight.”Shefeltherheartbegintospeedup,herspinetoknot.“Themonsterdidn’twanttobreakustoofast,sohewascareful.Butonedayhedidsomethingtome,andIdidn’trespondlikehewanted.Ididn’tscream.Sohethrewmeheadfirstthroughthelargeglasswindowatthefrontofthecabin.”Pain,blood,theglitterofglassinthesun,she’dneverforgetanypartofit.
“Enough,Sophie.”Max’sentirebodywassohard,sounmoving,she’dhavethoughthimstonebutforthefuriousbeatofhisheart.
“Iwantyoutoknow.Please.”
“Youneverhavetobegmeforanything.”Aharshorder.
“Linsavedme,”shesaid,claspinghiswordstohersoul.“Whilethemonsterwasoutside,checkingtoseeifI’dsurvived,hesomehowmanagedtogettothecommpanel,inputtheemergencycode.”AndthenLin,thesweet,talentedtelepathwhomight’vebeenherfriendinanotherlife,haddied,hisinternalinjuriestoomassive.“Everyone’sforgottenthem.Carrie,Bilar,andLin,butIremember.Someoneshouldremember.”
Thistime,Maxdidmove.Pullingaway,heturned.Shewentintohisarms,readyfortheheat,thealmostviolentpleasure-pain.“PeopletalkabouthowthePsyarestartingtobreak,”hesaidinafiercewhisper,“butnobodyeverspeaksaboutthevictims.”
Heunderstood,shethought,heunderstood.“We’reasdirtyasecretasthemonsters.Thoseofuswhosurvivearedamagedgoods,neverquitethesame.Myparentswrotemeoff,turnedmeovertothestate.Iheardtheminthehospital….talkingaboutwhetheritwouldbebettertojustputmedown.”CHAPTER24
YourrequesttohaveSophiaRusso,minor,age8,removedfromyourofficialfamilyhistoryhasbeengranted.Thestatewillpaythecostsofhercareandeducationuntilshereacheshermajority.Youarenolongerconsideredboundtoherorresponsibleforherinanyway.
—FinaldecisionoftheCouncilSubcommitteeonGeneticInheritance,November2060
Max’sembracetighteneduntilitalmosthurt.Butsheneededit,cravedit.Thelost,indeliblyfracturedhalfofherclungtohim,realizingitwasbeingaccepted,nomattertheextentofitsflaws.“Theanchorthing,”hesaid.“That’swhatsavedyou.Becauseit’sarareability.”
Shenodded.“Whenthemonsterthrewmethroughthewindow,hedidn’tjustscarmyface.Healsobrokemymind.”She’dbeenaterrifiedchildwho’dfinallyrealizedthatnohelpwouldcome,thatshe’dsoonbeburiedinanunmarkedgravebesideCarrieandBilar.“Butmybraindidn’tgiveup.It‘rerouted’itselfdirectlyintothefabricoftheNet,theonlythingbigenoughtoholdtogetherwhatremainedofmypsyche.”
“Iamsodamnproudofyou,”hesaid,hisvoicelowandhusky.
Shewantedtograbontothecommitment,thepromise,implicitinhiswords.“I’mreallybroken,Max.”Itwasthefinalsecret,thefinaltruth.“Icanpretendtobenormal,butI’mnot.Ineverwillbe.”
“Yousurvived—howyou’vedoneitdoesn’tmatter.Thefactthatyouhave?It’sbetterrevengeonthatbastardandtheonesthatallowedhimtodowhathedidthananythingelse.”
Shudderingattheunflinchingacceptanceinhistone,shemovedonehandlightlyoverhisback.Hismusclesshiftedbeneathhertouch,asifinresponse.Growingbolder,shepressedharder,felthisabdomengrowtautagainsther.Itwasinstincttospreadoutherhand,runherfingernailsoverthefabricinsensualexploration.
Swearinglowunderhisbreath,Maxmovedbackastep,grippingherarmsattheelbows.“Aren’tyougoingtoofast?”
“No.”Shecouldfeelhernerves,raggedandfrayed,closetooverload,butstillshewantedmore,wantedtofillherselftothebrimwithhim,untilshehadenoughforalifetime.“Don’tstop,Max.Thetouchkeepsmehere.”Notinthepast.
Maxgroaned.“Drink.Andbehave.”Heputthehotchocolateinherhandsandpickinguphiscoffee,headedtothecouch.
Leftwithnochoice,shefollowedasecondlater.Puttingherdrinkbesidehisonthecoffeetable,sheturnedherbodysidewaysonthecouch,terrifiedshe’dscaredhimwiththevoraciousdepthofherneed…butnotreadytoaccepthisdecree.He’dtoldhershe’dneverhavetobeg.He’dacceptedher.Hewashers.“I’mnotmisbehav—”
MaxhadhismouthonSophia’sbeforehecouldthinkabouttheconsequences,hishandtangledinherhair.God,hewassoangryoverwhathadbeendonetoher,sofuckingpissedattheparentswho’drejectedherwhentheyshould’vestoodbyher.Andbecausehe’ddiebeforehehurther,hisangerhadnowheretogo—exceptintoaragingprotectiveness.Runninghistonguealongtheseamofherlips,heurgedhertopartforhim.Andwhenshedid,hesweptinwithouthesitation,taking,tasting,claiming.
Herhandsfelltorestonhisthigh,excruciatinglyclosetohiscock.Releasinghisgriponher,hepickedupthosedelicateglovedhandsandputthemonhisshoulders.Sheclenchedherfingersonhim,hernailsbitingjustenoughthroughthethinglovesandthematerialofhisT-shirttomakehimwanttostripitalloffandtellhertousethosenailsonhisflesh.Hell.Breakingthekiss,heputhishandsonherwaist.“Straddleme.”
Shewasallhugeeyesandkiss-bruisedmouth,butshedidasheasked,hercurvybodycomingdownonhisthighsevenassheleanedinandtookhismouth.Hehadn’texpectedthat,hadn’texpectedhertoseizethereins.Buthewasmorethanwillingtoletherhaveherway.
Herkisswasinexperienced,hesitant,andsoarousing,hehadtolockhismusclestokeepfrompushingupthatprimlybuttonedcardiganandcuppingasweet,plumpbreastinhispalmevenashetookhermouthinamuchmoresexualfashion.Instead,helethersipathim,letherstrokeandtasteandlick.Thelastmadehisfingersclenchonherhips.Shediditagain.
SophiaRussowasaquickstudy.
Feelinghislipscurveinasmilethatwasmorethanalittleferal,hesuckedatherupperlip,bitdownonthelower.Shejerked,thenpressedintohim,herarmsweavingaroundhisneck.Takingthatasayes,herepeatedthecaress,movinghishandsdownherhipsandoverthetautlengthofherthighsatthesametime.Ashudderingmoanbeforeshefinallytoreawayhermouth.
Hereyeswereawashinblack,aseaofpurestmidnight.He’dbeenreadyforthat.Buthewasn’treadyforthefeverinhercheeks,thethumpingbeatofthepulseinherneck,thewayherbodyturnedalllooseandlimber,asifshewasdrunk.Alarmspiked.“Sophie,talktome.”
“Mmm?”Droppingherheadtohisshoulder,sherubbedhercheekagainsthisT-shirt,alazykitten.“Ithinkyoublewmycircuits.”
Thedazedcommentmadehimwanttolaughinspiteofthesavageryofhisemotions—butworrycuttheimpulsemidthought.Maybethiswasascloseasthey’devercome,himandhisSophie.“Areyouinpain?”
Anotherlazyrubagainsthim,herhandclenchingandunclenchingonhisothershoulder.“Ineverrealizedmenandwomenweresodifferent…notreally.”Herbreathblewhotontheskinofhisneckasshespoke,herbodyawarm,lusciousweightagainsthisarousedform.“It’squiteextraordinary.”
“Baby,youcan’tavoidthequestion.”Brushingherhairverycarefullyoffherface,helookeddowntofindhereyesclosed.“Areyouinpain?”
“Haveyoueverhadyourfootfallasleepafteraperiodofinactivity?”
“Yes.”
“Andthesharpstabsafterwardwhenyoutrytouseit?”Asmileflirtedwithherlips.“That’swhatitfeelslike.”Hereyesopened.“I’mwakingup,Max.Alittlepainwon’tmakemetakeastepbackward.”
Protectivenessandpridesmashedupagainsteachother.“Nomoretonight.”
“No,Max.”Shemovedslightlyacrosshisbody,aneroticstrokeandastubbornwill.“No,please.”
Heletherkisshimagain,letherconvincehim.Butwhenherskinflushedfeverhot,whenhermusclesbegantoquiver,hebrokethecontact,liftingheroffhisbodyandontothecouch.Nomatterhowmuchhewantedtoclaimherineverywayamancouldclaimawoman,hewouldn’tdoitifitwoulddestroyher.“Nomore,Sophie.Youcan’tprocesseverythingatonce.”
“But—”
Heplacedafingeragainstherlips.“Thatfootthatfallsasleep?Itdoesn’twakeupallatonce.”
Shestaredathimforlongmoments,buthegotanodatlast.Leavinghertorepairhershieldsasmuchasshecould—anditwasafuckingfistinhisheartthattheirtouchinghurtheronanylevel—hegotup,splashedicewateronhisface,thenreturnedwiththecasefiles.“Ready?”
“Yes.”Takingasipofthehotchocolatehe’dmadeher,shemethisgaze,thoseeerieeyesofendlessblackimpenetrable,unreadable.“Max?”
“Yes?”
“Willyourememberme?”
Hisheartbrokeintoathousandpieces.“Always.”
EarlythenextmorningfoundSaschasittingacrossfromNikitainaconferenceroomatDarkRiver’sbusinessHQ.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dcome.”
Nikita’sresponsewaspragmatic.“DarkRiverisanimportantbusinesspartner.”
“Thisisn’tabusinessmeeting,”Saschasaid,refusingtolethermotherignorethetruth.“IthoughtImadethatclearinmyrequest.I’msorryifyouweremisled.”
Nikitaremainedanicesculptureontheothersideofthetable.“Everycontactwithyouisbusiness.Ifyouweren’tpartofDarkRiver,there’dbenoneedforcontactatall.”
Ithurt,yeah,ithurt.ButSaschawasstrongernow.Andshehadthestrengthofthepackbehindher.ShecouldfeeltheirwildprotectivenessontheothersideofthedoorthatenclosedherinthisroomwithNikita.Butmostofall,shecouldfeeltheloveofherpanther.“Iwantedtotellyou—”
“You’repregnant,”Nikitasaidwithoutceremony.“It’sdifficulttomiss.”
Butsomanypeoplehad,Saschathought,tryingnottoreadinNikita’skeeneyesanykindofanemotionalmeaning.“I’maboutfivemonthsalong.”
“Youmustbeabletofeelthefetusmove.”
Saschacurledherhandintoafistunderthetable,tryingtokeepheremotionsincheck.“Yes.Thebabyisratherfeisty,especiallyatthreea.m.”
Apause.“Youwerethesame.”
Andthere,inthatinstant,Saschaknewshedidn’tunderstandhermotheraswellasshethoughtshedid,thatCouncilorNikitaDuncanhadsecretsevenanempathcouldn’tplumb.
NikitaspokeagainbeforeSaschacould.“I’veheardrumorsthattheleopardsisolatetheirpregnantmatesduringthefinalmonthsoftheirpregnancies.”
Sascharolledhereyes.“Thetabloidsmadethatupafteroneofthewomeninthepackwasprescribedbedrestbecauseofcomplications—youmustknowhowtheysensationalizeeverything.”Herpanther,overprotectiveashewas,wouldnevertrytokeepherapartfromthosesheconsideredhers—bothinthepackandoutsideofit.Butthatwasn’twhatshe’daskedhermotherheretodiscuss.“WhydidyousendmethebookbyAliceEldridge?”
“You’reacardinalwiththestrengthtocontroltensofthousands,”Nikitaanswered,pickingupherorganizer.“Havinganindividualofyourstrengthinmycornerwouldbeanasset—thebenefitwouldoutweighanycostassociatedwithyourflaw.”
Once,thatwould’vecutSaschatothequick.Now…nowshewonderedjusthowmanyliesNikitahadtoldheroverherlifetime.
Sophiawokefromthemostsleeplessofnights,herbodyachingfromtheinsideout,herskintootight,hernervesshredded.Everythingwas“off.”Irritationburnedinsideher,andithadnotarget,nofocus.
Showeringhelpedcalmherbodyafraction,andsodidanintenseten-minutemeditation.Feelingslightlymoreincontrol,shedressedinablackpantsuitpairedwithawhiteshirt,driedthenplaitedherhair—baringaviolence-touchedfaceMaxdidn’tseemtofindtheleastobjectionable—andforcedherselftoeatanutritionbarforbreakfast.Hercop,shethought,wouldnotapprove.
Strangetwistingsensationsinherabdomen,therenewedpricklingofherskin.Heatwasjuststartingtospothercheekswhenthedoorbellrang.Throwingthewrapperofthenutritionbarintherecycler,shewalkedoverandopenedthedoor.
Itwashisscentthathitherfirst.Exoticandfamiliar,maleinawayshecouldn’texplain.Butsheknewshe’dbeabletodistinguishitfromamillionothers.“Max.”
Hiseyesnarrowedasheentered,closingthedoorbehindhimself.“You’reflushed.What’swrong?”
Sherubbedglovedhandsoverherarms.“Idon’tknow.Ifeel…edgy.Myskin,mybody—”
Theworrydisappearedfromhisface,tobereplacedbysomethingdarkerandfullofaquietmasculineamusement.“It’scalledfrustration,sweetheart.”
Frustration:synonymouswithaggravation,irritation,dissatisfaction.
Yes,shethought.That’stheword.
“I’dhavemoresympathyforyouexceptthatIspentthenightwithapermanenthard-on.”
Hereyesdroppedtohisgroin.Hegroanedevenashisbodyreactedratherspectacularly.
Sophiawantedtotouch.“Fixit,”sheordered.“Youknowhowtoendmyfrustrationandyours,andI’mnolongerasoverwroughtasIwaslastnight.”
Heblewoutabreath.“Yeah?MaybeIdo.Andmaybesodoyou.”Therewassomethingexquisitelysensualinhiswords.“I—”
Shenevergottohearwhathewould’vesaid,becausehiscellphonebeepedatthatmoment.Andeverythingchanged.
“It’sBart.”Allhintofsensualityleavinghisexpression,Maxputthephonetohisear,hisresponsesnottellingSophiamuch.“I’lltalktoher.”Hesnappedthephoneshut.“Bonner’sbrokensoonerthanwethought.”
“He’sangry,”Sophiasaid,feelingalayeroficeformaroundher,animpenetrablebarrierthreadedwithdarktendrilsthat“tasted”oftheNet.“Hisegocan’ttakethatIendedyesterday’scomm-conferencebeforehewasready.”Turning,sheheadedtoherbedroom.
Maxcaughtherarm,felthertremblethoughhe’dbeencarefulnottotouchskin.“What’reyoudoing?”
“Packinganovernightcase,”shesaid,hervoicefirm,thoughherbodyswayedtowardhisbeforeshecaughtherself.“He’lltalkthistime,I’msureofit.”Shenoddedathiscellphone.“CallNikita.”
“Wecan’tleavemidcase,”Maxsaid,becausethoughthoselostgirlsownedapieceofhisheart,theywerealreadygone,theirlightsdoused.ButSophia,shewasalive,herflameflickeringagainsttheviolentstormofBonner’sevil.Hecouldn’tbelievethatCarissaWhiteandhersistersindeathwouldwanthimtosacrificeSophiatobringthemhome
“Nikitawillallowustotakeashortbreak,”Sophiareplied.“Asyousaidyourself,thiskillerisunlikelytostrikeinthenearfuture.”Shekepttalking,thoughhecouldseethejaggedriseandfallofherchest,theglitteringpaininhereyes.“TheforensicdatafromEdwardChan’smurderscenewillhavebeenmorethoroughlyprocessedbythetimewereturn,andwe’vealreadyspokentothewitnesses.Wecancontinuetorundeepbackgroundchecksandverifytheiralibisfortheearliermurdersfromadistance.”
Maxwaiteduntilshepausedforbreath.“YouhavetoturnthisovertoanotherJ.”
“No.Thisismine.”Tinylinesfannedoutfromthecornersofherlushmouth,anindicationofstubbornness—onehe’djustlearnedtoread.“I’lldothis.I’llfinishthis.”
Maxdidn’tbudge—hehadawholestreakofstubborninhim,too.“You’vetoldmehowcloseyouaretolosingyourtelepathicshields.WorkingwithamindlikeBonner’swillonlyputmorestress—”Hefrozeasshepressedafingertohislips.
“They’relost,Max.”Ableaknessinhereyesithurthimtowitness.“Ihavetofindthem,bringthemhomefromthoseunmarkedgraves.”
Heheardinthosewordsanechoofthenightmaresummerthathadalmostdestroyedher,asilent,painfulache,andknewhehadtoletherdothis.“Evenahintofaproblemandyougetout.Agreed?”
Itwasmoreanorderthanaquestionbutshenodded.“Agreed.”
“I’mlettingBartknowheneedstohaveanM-Psyonstandby.”
“That’sagoodprecaution.”NoM-PsycouldhealthetelepathicdeteriorationofaJ,muchlessofanalreadydamagedonelikeSophia,buttheycouldperhapshelpherhandleanyphysicalsymptoms.“However,makesuretheMremainsoutsidetheinterrogationroom—Bonnerwillpounceonevenahintofweakness.”
“Don’tletthebastardgettoyou.”Tuggingdownherglovetoexposeapatchofnakedskinbetweengloveandcuff,hebenthisheadasshewatchedinthrall.Hiskissbrandedherfromtheinsideout.“Wehavethelittlematteroffrustrationtodiscuss.”CHAPTER25
Sometimesevilwins.Butnothere.Nottoday.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon:StateofNewYorkvBonner
Nikitawasn’tpleasedattheinterruptioninherinvestigation,butshedidn’tattempttostandintheirwayafterMaxmadeitclearthatnotonlywouldtheycontinuetoworkhercasewhileinWyoming,butthatBonner’svictimshadapriorclaimonhisloyalty.
“Howlongwillthistriptake?”sheasked.
“IfBonnergivesupthebodies”—agrimhope—“I’llhavetoinformtheparents.”Theyknewhim,trustedhim…wouldknowwhyhe’dcomeaftersolong.“Afterthat,forensicswilltakeover.SinceBonnerisalreadyinprisonforthelengthofhisnaturallife,it’snotimperativeIbethereateverymoment.”Thoughbefore,hewould’vebeen,wouldhavewantedtoseeitthroughtothebitter,destructiveend.
Now,hehadotherpriorities.“Icandelegatethesupervisiontooneoftheotherdetectives”—goodcops,copswho’dsacrificedweekends,givenupvacations,tohelpMaxinthehuntfortheButcherofParkAvenue—“andkeepaneyeonthingsfromadistance.”Ofcourse,he’dneverbefreeoftheBonnercase,nottruly.Andperhapshedidn’twanttobe.Amancarriedscarsonhisheart.Theymadehimwhohewas.
Sophiewouldleavethebiggestscarofall.
No.Herefusedtoloseher,thisJwithherhungerfortouchandhergiftedmind.
“Verywell,Detective.”Pickingupacellphonecall,sheturnedtotheplate-glasswindow.“Iexpectyoutokeepmeinformed.”
MaxfoundhimselfmomentarilycaughtbytheimageofNikitastandingsilhouettedagainsttheglass,hergazesomewherefarinthedistance.Powerful.Lethal.Alone.
SaschastretchedoutherlegsontheottomaninTammy’slivingroomandleanedbackagainstthesoftnessofthecouch.LikeeveryoneelseinDarkRiver,she’dheadedtotheirhealertheinstantshe’dneededcomfortofafemininekind.Lucashaddroppedheroffafterlunchwithakiss—thoughsheknewitwasonlybecauseTammy’smate,Nathan,washome.Likely,therewasanothersentinelprowlingaroundoutsideanyway—DarkRivertooktheprotectionofitshealerdeadseriously.
Suspiciousscrabblessoundedfrombehindher.Feelingherlipstugupward,sheremainedinplace,hereyesclosed.Littleclick-clacksonthewoodenfloor,silencedastheyhittherugs.Thenafewwhisperingscratchesandshefeltawarm,playfulpresencewalkalongthetopofthesofabacktoliedownafewinchesfromherear.Anotherpresence,justasplayful,alittlemoremischievous,settledbesideherthigh.
She’dhalfexpectedababyroartomakeherjumpupinsurprise,butwhensheopenedhereyes,JulianandRoman,Tammy’stwins—bothinleopardform—werelookingatherwithexpressionssoinnocent,herheartmelted.“HowamIsupposedtoresist?”shemurmured,strokingJuleswhilesheglancedupatRome.
Gettingup,hepaddedovertonuzzleatherear.Shetriedtocatchhiminonearmtobringhimdown,buthejumpedontothecouchbesidehersoshecouldpethim,too.
“Aremylittledemonsbotheringyou?”Tammyasked,walkingintothelivingroomwithatraypiledhighwithSascha’sfavoritechocolate-chipcookieshotfromtheoven.
“They’rebeingsweethearts,”Saschasaid,asRomesettleddownwithhispawsonherthigh,hiseyesclosinginblissasshepettedhisgorgeouslittleheadwithfirm,surestrokes.“They’renotasrambunctiouswithmeanymore.”
“Whatdoyouexpect?”Tammyrolledhereyes.“They’regrowinguparoundNateandtheothers.They’vefiguredoutyou’retobe‘lookedafter.’”
SaschalaughedasTammytookaseatoppositeher.Ferocious,thetwins’petkitten,immediatelymadehimselfathomeinthehealer’slap.“Shouldn’ttheybothbeinkindergarten?”
“They’redoinghalfdaysatthemoment—justgothomeafewminutesback,”Tamsynsaidwithafondsmile.“Theybothgotagood-behaviorreportfromtheteacher.”
Kissingthepadofherindexfinger,SaschatouchedittothetipofJulian’snose.Liftingapaw,henippedplayfullyatherfinger.“Whydoyousoundsosurprised?”
“Tellmeyou’renot.”
Saschacouldn’thelpit,shelaughedagain,evenasJulesandRomebothgavelittlegrowls.“They’llgrowupintowonderfulyoungmen,youknow.”
Tammy’seyessoftened.“Iknow.”PettingapurringFerocious,sheleanedbackinherseat.“So,yousawyourmothertoday.”
“Yes.”Romanbuttedagainstherhandwhenshestoppedstrokinghim,andshecontinuedatonce,scratchinghimbehindtheearsinthatwayhelikedbeforemovingupanddownthroughthebeautifulgoldandblackfurofhisback.“Idon’tknowifI’mfoolingmyself,butIthink…there’ssomethingdifferentabouther.”
Tamsyndidn’tsayanything,justletSaschatalk.Andshedid.Shetalkedaboutherhopes,herworries,herfears.“Doyouthink,”shesaidatlast,“it’sjusttheemotionsofpregnancy?Imean,Iloveourbabysomuch.Ican’timagineanymothernotfeelingthisway.”Underhernowunmovinghands,JulesandRomelaycurledup,fastasleep,twoexquisitelypreciouslives.
“Psyaredifferent,”Tammysaidatlast,“youknowthatfarbetterthanIevercould.Butyou’realsoanempath,andifyourhearttellsyouthere’ssomehopeofahealthyrelationshipwithNikita…”
“Idon’tknow,”Saschasaid.“IjustknowI’mnotreadytogiveuponheryet.”
Tammy’ssmilewasslow,strongasherhealer’sheart.“ThenIguessCouncilorNikitaDuncanhadbetterwatchout.”
Havingdroppedadubious-lookingMorpheusoffatDarkRiverHQ—tobetakenhomebyClay—MaxandSophiaarrivedattheclosestairporttotheD2penitentiarylessthanthreehoursafterMax’smeetingwithNikita.Atwenty-minutedrivelaterandtheywereatthefacility.
“Bonnerstillrefusingtotalk?”MaxaskedBartafterSophiareturnedtotheroom,havingundergoneaquickpreliminarycheckupattheM-Psy’shands.Maxmethergaze,caughttheveryslightshakeofherhead.Relieftwistedaroundhisheart—shewashangingon,refusingtosurrendertothedeaththathadbeenstalkingherherwholelife.
“Bastardhasn’tsaidawordsinceheaskedforMs.Russo,”Bartsaid,glancingatSophia.“Becareful,Ms.Russo.Ihaveafeelinghe’senragedafterwesentinamaleJtodoafollow-uponhiscomm-conferencewithyou.”
Sophia’sexpressiondidn’tchange.“Iexpectedthat,Mr.Reuben.Bonnerisn’tusedtobeingdenied.”
Maxfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“That’sanunderstatement.”Bonnerhadbeenbornintowealth,gonetothemostexclusiveprivateschools,summeredonavineyardinChampagne,winteredataskiresortinSwitzerland.He’dhadsimplytoaskandhisparentshadgivenittohim,theironlyson—ahundred-thousand-dollarcaratsixteen,atriparoundtheworldatseventeen,aprivateresidenceontheirextensivepropertyateighteen.
“He’lltrytoplayyou,”Bartsaid,tappingapenontheold-fashionedlegalpadheinsistedonusing.“He’shadafewdaystodosomeundergroundresearch,maybefindoutthingsaboutyou—”
Sophiashookherhead.“I’vesurvivedworsemonsters.”HereyesmetMax’s.“It’stimeformetogoin.”
Everysinglemuscleinhisbodywentrockhardinrejectionoftheidea,buthenodded.“I’llberighthere—onesmallsignalandIcomegetyou.”
Sophiawalkedintothesameroomshe’denteredonlyafewdaysprior,butthistime,shewasviscerallyawareofMax’sgazeonhernomatterthathestoodhiddenbehindthewallthatseparatedtheroomfromtheobservationchamber.AndthoughaprisonguardstoodwithhisbacktothewallbehindBonner,itwastheknowledgeofMaxwatchingoverherthatkepthercalm,focused.
Hercopwouldneverletthemonstertouchher.
Withthatknowledgeinherheart,shesaid,“Mr.Bonner,”asshereachedthetable.
GerardBonner’ssmilepresumedanintimacythatmadeherskincrawl.“Sophia.I’drisetowelcomeyou,butalas…”Hegesturedtotheclampsthatkepthimimmobilized,hishandsjerkingtoahalt.
“It’sformyprotectionthatyoucan’tmove,”shesaid,takingaseatacrossfromhim.“Youhaveverystronghands.”AftertorturingCarissaWhiteinamultitudeofhorrificways,he’dfinallykilledherwiththeintimacyofhishands.
“Areyouattemptingtoshockme?”Awarmchucklefromtheoutwardlyhandsomemaninfrontofher.“Ienjoyedit,youknow.PoorCarissa.Shebeggedmetodoitintheend.”
Soclever,shethought,alwayscouchinghiswordsinawaythatitwasneverquiteaconfession.Notthattheyneededit,notforCarissaWhite.“Iwastoldyouwerereadytocooperate.”
“DidIputyoutotoomuchinconveniencewithmyrequest?”heasked,hisexpressionfillingwithwhatmanywould’vemistakenforthesincerestofapologies.“IfindthatIlikeyouthebest.You’resomuch…gentlerthantheotherJs.”
“Didyouknow,Mr.Bonner,”shesaidconversationally,“thatintheearlypartofthiscentury,theystillincarceratedmalestogetherinthesamecell?Tellme”—sheheldhisgaze,lethimseethatshe’dlookedintotheabyss,thatnothinghesaidcouldtouchher—“doyouthinkyouwouldhave…enjoyed”—adeliberateechoofhisword,histone—“beinginacellwithanotherinmatewhomightnothavesharedyourmoresophisticatedtastes?”
Bonnerdidn’tlikethat,hiseyesshowingthesadisticbiteofmalignantragebeforehegotitundercontrol.“I’msureIwouldhavesurvived,Sophia.Hmm,doesanyonecallyouSophie?”
Shehatedthathe’dusedMax’spetnameforher,hateditsomuchthatforaninstant,shewonderedifshe’dbetrayedherself,becauseBonner’sblueeyesglintedwithpleasure.
“Youmaycallmeanythingyouwish.”Afacsimileofcalm,goodenoughthatithadfooledthemedicsalltheseyears.“AllIcareaboutareyourmemories.”
Anothercrackinthefacade,theuglinessinsidehimrisingtothesurfaceforafleetinginstant.“Thentakethem,Sophie.”Viciouswordslacedwithcharm.“Takewhatyoucametofind…thenmaybeyoucantellmehowyougotsuchapretty,prettyface.”
Shedidnothing,feltnothing.Hiswordsdidn’tmatter—notwhenMaxsawher,knewher,acceptedher.“I’mnotgoingonsomekindofascavengerhuntinyourbrain,Mr.Bonner.Ifyouwanttocooperate,thencooperate.Ifnot,I’llmakeafinalrecommendationthatyourofferstoshareinformationhavebeennothingbutawasteoftimeandthatallfurtherapproachesfromyoubeignored.”
“Bitch.”Itwassaidinthatsamecharmingvoice,hissmileneverslipping.“Istherestofyourskinmarked?Orareyouablankcanvasjustwaitingfortherightartist?”
“Onelasttime,Mr.Bonner—areyoureadytocooperate?”
“Ofcourse.”
Sheheldtheeyecontact,sweepingoutwithheruniquetelepathicgift.SomeJsneededphysicalcontactwiththosetheyscanned,butsheneverhad.Andnow,withherSensitivity,touchwouldtakehertoodeep,lockherintoanother’smind.Andiftherewasoneconsciousnessshedidnotwanttobetrappedwithin,itwasthatofthesociopathontheothersideofthetable.
Movingeffortlesslythroughtheeasilypermeablebarrierthatwastheweaknessofahumanshield,shesteppedintohismind.Itwasascalm,asorderly…butthepieceshadshifted.Bonnerwasrearranginghismemoriesofthepast,perhapstobetterfithisownpersonalviewoftheworld.
Awoman’sscreamingface,herbackcontortedinagony,hereyesbleedingatthecorners.Sophiarecoiledinside,butyearsoftrainingkeptherfrombetrayingherabhorrenceonherface.“WealreadyknowwhatyoudidtoCarissaWhite,”shesaid.“Ifthat’sallyou’vegot—”
Asmallwoodenglade,peacefulalmost.
Shefeltthehandleoftheshovelvibrateunderherhandsashe/theydroveitintotheearth,heardtheeeriequiet,feltthecoolcrackleoftheplasticunderhis/theirhandsashe/theyrolledthebodyintotheshallowestofgraves.Bonnerdidn’twasteanytimecoveringhisvictimupagain,his/theiractionsasimpersonalasifhe/theywereraisingagarden.Thebodyhadceasedtohaveanymeaningonceitstoppedscreaming.Notlongafterward,theearthcoveredtheplastic,andthentheywerewalkingthroughtheforest,exitinglessthanfiveminuteslaterontoaruggedtrackswathedinfog.
Firs—deepgreen,thickwithfoliage—theirtipsdisappearingintothefinewhitemist,surroundedthemonallsides,buttherewasalotofundergrowth,afewspindlytreesofotherspecies.Sonotatreefarm,butsomethingmorenatural.Shegotintothevehicle,startedtheengineafterstrippingoffheavygardeninggloves.Thefour-wheeldrivetookthericketyroadwithease,untilhalfanhourlater,sheappearedoutofthefogandfoundherselfataT-junction,asealedroadinfrontofher.Herheartwascalm,herbodyrelaxed.Itwas—
SophiarealizedshewaslosingherselfinBonner,foughttobringherselfback.“Ineedalocation.”Shecouldseenothingbuttheinfrequentcarzippingbyfast—alonelyhighway.
“Patience,mysweetSophia.”Bonnerwasbreathinghard,excitedbythememory…bymakingherreliveitwithhim.
Thatwaswhenshesawit,theboardontheleftthatmarkedtheentranceto“FogValleyTrack.”
Shetooknoteofthekindsofflowersshe’dseen,theangleofthesun,theweather,everythingshecould.
ThenBonner’smemoriesshiftedsideways,atwistingkaleidoscope.
She’dexpectedsomethingofthekind,pulledbackbeforeitcouldaffecther.“Thatdoesn’tgiveusmuch.”
“You’llfindher.”Hedrewalong,deepbreath.“You’llfindmylovelyGwyn.”
GwynethHayleyhaddisappearedsixmonthsafterCarissaWhiteandwaswidelyconsideredtobeBonner’ssecondvictim.SophiatriedtopryfurtherdetailsoutoftheButcher,buthejustsmiledthatintimate,satisfiedlittlesmileandtoldhershe’dhavetodosomeoftheworkherself.
Exiting,sheletthemedicscanher.“Youneednutrients,”wastheresponse.
Shedranktheenergydrinkshegaveher,thenletBartholomewReubenleadthemupoutofthebowelsofthebuildingandtoaconferenceroomontheupperfloor.“Ifeveryonecoulddroptheirshields,”Sophiasaid,“Icanprojectthescanintoyourminds.”ThiswaspartofwhatmadeheraJ,ratherthanasimpletelepath—theabilitytoliterallyprojectentirememories.Shecouldonlydofivepeopleatatime,butotherthanMax,therewasonlyReuben,thewarden,andReuben’sassistant.“I’msorry,DetectiveShannon,Ican’tprojectthroughyournaturalshield.”
Maxshrugged.“ProjectingistoughonaJ,right?”Hecontinuedwithoutwaitingforananswer,“Whydon’tyougiveusarecapinstead?”Hiseyeswerepiercing.“IfBonnerreallyisinacooperativemood,wedon’tknowhowsoonyoumighthavetoscanhimagain.”
Hewasprotectingher.Theknowledgemadeherheartexpanduntilitthreatenedtoconsumeher.Takingadeepbreath,holdingthatpowerfulemotionlikethetreasureitwas,Sophiadescribedwhatshe’dseen.
“FogValleyTrack,”Maxsaid,alreadyonthephonetothecomputertechsatEnforcement.“Yeah,howmanyhits?”Apause.“Narrowitdowntoalocationwithalotoffirs,relativelyisolated—oritwould’vebeenfiveyearsago;maybeoffahighway.”
Sophiaraisedherhandtocatchhisattention.“Thetemperaturewascool,thoughthepositionofthesunsuggesteditwasclosetomidday.”Hermindfilteredoutthedistractionsoftheothercars,Bonner’sthoughts,andsawthroughtotheothersideoftheroad.“Therewasabillboardadvertisingaharvestfestivalasheturnedoutofthetrack.”
Maxrepeatedherwordstothecomputertech,waitedafewmoments.“Ioweyouadrink.SendeverythingthroughtoD2,commstationthree.Andencryptit,justincasesomeone’sscanningtheprisonline.”Hangingup,hesaid,“We’vegotthreementionsofaFogValleyTrackthatmightmatch,”hesaid.
“Thetrackwasveryrough,”Sophiapointedout.“Couldbeit’snotonthemapsatall.”
“Yeah.”Agrimlook.“Butwe’llworryaboutthatafterwecheckouttheseimages.”
Thoseimagesweretransmittedmomentslater.Sophiasaid,“Thatone,”almostbeforeshewasawareofopeninghermouth.
GwynethHayley’slastrestingplacelaydeepwithinasnow-cappedmountainrange.CHAPTER26
FaithNightStar,daughterofCouncilorAnthonyKyriakusandthemostpowerfulforeseerintheworld,walkedoutintotheforestthatsurroundedthehomeshesharedwithherchangelingmate,hopingthefreshairwouldmeltawaythefogthatcloudedhermind.Deepandviscous,dampandclammy,itfeltalmostreal—thechillofitmakingherrubherhandsupanddownherarms.
“Somethingbadiscoming,”shesaidoutloud,tryingtothinkpastthethickgraysoupthathideverythingfromview.“Fireandfogandscreamsandmetal.”Theywereallconnected.Thefogtouchedthoseinthecenter,butsodidtheflamesandthestabbing,cuttingviolenceofmetal.
Shebegantopacerestlesslyacrossthepineneedlesthatlitteredtheforestfloor,herguttwistedupwiththeknowledgethatsomeonewasgoingtodie.Tearsprickedhereyes,burnedinherthroat.“Fireandfogandscreamsandmetal.”
Butnomatterhowmanytimessherepeatedthat,nomatterhowmanytimesshetriedtopartthefog,allshegotwasacrushingsenseofimpendinghorror.CHAPTER27
Evildoesexist.Itmaynotbelistedinanyofficialmanual,maybeconsideredanemotionalconstruct,butasJs,youmustacceptthattherewillcomeatimewhenyouwillbefacedbysuchmalevolencethatitwillchallengeallthatyouknow,allthatyoubelieveyouare.
—SophiaRusso(J)totraineeJs(unofficialseminarheldatanundisclosedsite)
FourhoursafterSophiapinpointedthelocation,theentireteam,completewithaforensicunit,gotoutoftheirvehiclesattheforestedendofFogValleyTrack.Thoughthegroundwascurrentlyclear,theairupherecarriedatouchofice,thethreatofsnowlingeringintheair.
“You,me,andBart,”MaxsaidtoSophia.“Wegoin,seeifwecaneyeballanything.Ifthatfails,wesendinthedogs.”Itwasjustnudgingfive,butthewintersunlightwasfadingfast.Itwould’vebeenmoresensibletowaituntilthenextday,butanunspokenthoughtunitedthemall—theycouldn’tbeartoleaveGwynaloneandcoldinthedarkanylonger.
Nodding,Sophiatookthelead.“TheundergrowthhasgottenconsiderablythickerintheyearssinceBonnerwashere.”
“Atleastthepath’sstillnegotiable,”Bartsaid,pushingabranchoutofhiswayasheandMaxfollowedSophia’sshorterform.“It’llbeabitchtoprocessthoughoncewefindthegrave.”
MaxshotoutahandtogripSophia’supperarmwhenshestumbledoverarock.“Thankyou,Detective.”Acalm,evenvoice,butMaxhadfelttheslighttremorinhermuscles,knewhisSophiewashangingonthroughsheer,stubborngrit.
“Anythinglookfamiliar?”Droppingherarm,Maxbackedoff,awareofBartstaringathim.
“Notsofar.”
BartnudgedMax,hisvoicelow.“YouknowPsydon’tliketobetouched.”
“Theyalsoprobablydon’tliketofallflatontheirfaces.”
“True.”Blowingoutabreath,Bartshookhishead.“Ihaven’tcalledGwyn’sparentsyet.”Thenamefelleasilyfromtheprosecutor’stongue—likeMax,he’dcometointimatelyknowtheshortlifeandlostdreamsofeachandeverygirl.
“NeitherhaveI,”Maxsaid,rememberingGwyn’smile-widesmile,herlongrunner’slegs,withanangerthathadn’tdulledintheinterveningyears.“Nouserippingthescaboffthatwoundunlesswecangivethemsomepeace.”
Sophiawentmotionlessupahead,herheadangledtowardatwistedoldtreeontheedgeofthepath.“Isawthat.”Itwasalmostsoundless.
Maxkeptaneyeonherasshesteppedoffthepathandbegantojogforward.Notmorethanfiveminutesintoit,shejerkedleftandclamberedontoafallenlog.Butshedidn’tstepoffontheotherside.Reachingher,Maxjumpeduponherright,asBartdidthesameonherleft.
Therewasnoneedtoaskherwhatshe’dseen.
“It’slikethelanddiedhere,”Sophiasaid,hereyesonthelifelesspatchofearthinfrontofthem,whichthoughborderedbythelivingbeatoftheforest,tinyshootsandgreenery,wasitselfasbrownedanddryasdust.
AsifGwynethHayley’slifebloodhadsoakedintothesoilandturneditbarren.
Theforensicteamworkeddeepintothenight,underbrilliantlamps.Bymidnight,they’dfoundonlysevendiscretebones,theothersinallprobabilityhavingbeencarriedawaybyforestcreatures,butamazingly,oneofthosesevenwastheskull.Andtherewereteethstillattachedtothatskull.
Apositivedentalmatchwasmadeonthespotusingmobileequipment.
SophiasawMax’sshouldersshudderanddroptheinstantaftertheforensictechnicianmadehispronouncement.“I’lldoit,”hesaidtoBartReuben.
Bart’sfacewasdrawn,hiseyesfullofoldpainasheacquiesced.“Theytrustyoumore.”
Lettingtheprosecutorwalkpastherandbacktothesite,SophiawenttostandbesideMaxashemovedawayfromthegroupandintothenight-shadowofagianttreewithsweepingarms.“You’recallingherfamily?”
Anod,hisfacelinedwithangrysorrow.“I’dprefertodoitinperson,butIhavetomakesuretheygettheinformationbeforeitleakstothemedia.”Hisfingersclenchedonthephone.“It’lltearthemapartalloveragain.”
Hiddeninthedarkness,shedaredlayherhandonhisarm.“Butitwillgivethempeace—andGwynethasafeplacetorest.”
Maxdidn’treply,butheleanedintohertouch.Itthreatenedtoshatterher.
BecauseMaxShannonwasnotamanwholeanedonanyone.
Asshestoodtherebesidehim,hecodedinanumberfrommemoryandraisedthephonetohisear.Andthenhedidwhathadtobedone.
Thenexttwodayspassedinablur.Sophiahadanothercomm-conferencewithBonner.However,hewasn’tinthemoodtocooperate.“I’menjoyingmyextrahourinthesunfartoomuch,”hetoldher.“Soobligingoftheprisonauthoritiestosticktotheirbargainwithme.”
Knowinghe’dstringthemalongnowthathehadtheirattention,shedidn’tsquanderhertimeand,instead,askedMaxiftherewasanythingshecoulddotoassisthim.
“KeepaneyeontheNikitasituation,”hetoldher.“Goovertheforensicreportsastheycomein,comparetheresultssentinbyNikita’speopleagainstthoseoftheindependentlabwecontracted.”AstheleaddetectiveontheBonnercase,hewasn’tonlydealingwiththefamiliesofthevictims,butalsothebrassandthemedia;hiseyesbloodshotwithlackofsleep.“Didwereceivethereportfromthemechaniconthecrashedcar?”
“Yes.Sheconfirmedthecomputerwastamperedwith.”Sophiawantedtotouchhim,givecomfortinthehumanway,buttheywereinthehastilythrowntogether“warroom”—locatedintheclosestEnforcementstationtowhereGwynethHayley’sbodyhadbeenfound.Activitybuzzedoneveryside,crashingagainsthersenses.“Thesecondautopsyyouorderedonthedriverhasalsobeencompleted.TherewerenodrugsinAllisonMarceau’ssystem.”
“Makessenseifthecarwastheweapon.”Heglancedquicklyatthereport.“Evenifshesentoutatelepathicscream,itwouldn’thavebeennotedasanythingsuspicious.”
“ItmightbebetterifIwentback.Icandealwiththings—”
“Stay.”Itwasasinglequietword,butitcarriedathousandunsaidthings.
Boundtohimnowbythreadsshedidn’tquiteunderstand,butthathadbecomethedefiningtruthsinherlife,shestayed—settingherselfupinherhotelroom,awayfromtheconstantstormofthewarroom.
Toeveryone’ssurprise,theCouncildispatchedseveralPs-PsytohelpwiththesearcharoundwhathadbeendubbedBonnerSite#1.“Psychometricssensetheimprintsofthepast,”SophiaexplainedtoMaxwhenheaskedforaquickprécis.“Theyusuallyworkverifyingtheageandprovenanceofworksofart,otherexpensiveobjects—butI’vehearditsaidthatsomecanalsopickup‘echoes’ofeventsthattookplaceinaparticularlocation.”
“Ihadalookatthetitleoftheland,”Maxtoldherafewhoursafterthepsychometricsarrived.“It’sownedbyaPsyconglomerateandearmarkedfordevelopment.”
That,Sophiathought,mademuchmoresense.“Theydon’twantanyunansweredquestionsloweringthevalueofthelandandsubsequentdevelopment.”
“Notthatitmatterswhythey’rehere.Tanique”—henamedoneofthePs-Psy—“alreadylocatedtwoofGwyneth’sbonesalmosthalfamilefromthegravesite.”
Thatwasoneofthefewconversationstheymanagedtohaveinthebleak,exhaustinghoursthatfollowed.Itwasontheirlastnightatthesearchbase—rightafteritwasannouncedthatnoevidenceoffurtherbodieshadbeenfoundwithinamile-wideradiusofthesite—thatshediscoveredsomethinginteresting.
She’dbeendiggingdeepintothebackgroundsofalltheindividualsofinterest,tappingherconnectionsinJusticewhennecessary.ThearistocraticQuentinGarethcameacrossasaruthlessbusinessman,butseemedotherwiseclean.AndreTulane,incontrast,hadrepeatingweeklymeetingsthatshecouldtieintonothingofficial,whiletheintern,RyanAsquith,hadanoteonhisfilethatmeanthe’dbeenreconditionedwithinthepastyearasaresultofacourtorder.
Allmeritedfurtherinvestigation,butthemostinterestingdataresultedfromalogarithmshe’dbeenrunningonnewsuploadsataroundthetimeofthekillings:CouncilorKalebKrychekhadbeenintherelevantareaatthetimeofeverysinglemurder.He’devenbeensnappedbytheSanFranciscoGazette—leavinganearlymorningmeetingwithNikita—onthedayEdwardChanhadaknifethrustintohisheart.
“Ittiesupsoneatly—butatthesametime,itdoesn’tmakesense,”shesaidtoMaxthenextdayasshefinishedlockingupherbagforthereturntriptoSanFrancisco.WiththefamiliesofallthevictimshavingbeennotifiedofwhatwashappeningbehindthesceneswithBonner,andwithnohopeoffindinganyfurtherremains,MaxhaddecidedtheyneededtoturntheirattentionbacktoNikita’ssituation.
“Isn’tKrychekatelekinetic?”Maxasked,shadowsunderhiseyesfromthelackofsleep.
“Exactly—andhe’steleportcapable.”Ithurthertoseehimhurting—shecouldn’twaituntiltheywerehome,whereshecouldwrapherarmsaroundhim,givehimthesurceasehe’dgivenhersomanytimes.“Hewould’vebeensmartenoughtoteleportintodothekillswhilehewasn’tofficiallyknowntobeintheregion.”
Takingherbagandslinginghisownduffeloverhisshoulder,Maxheadedtotheelevatorsasshepulledthedoortoherhotelroomclosed.“FromwhatIknowofCouncilorKrychek,”hesaidasshecametostandbesidehim,“he’sastone-coldoperator.Ican’tseehimwastingtimewiththetheaterofafakesuicide.”
“I’veneverheardaconfirmation,butthereareconstantwhispersthathewasraisedbyasociopath,thathe’samurdereratheart.”She’dseenKrychekonce—ontheothersideofahotellobby—buthispresencehadmadeheralterherroute,takethelongwaytoherdestinationinordertoavoidhim.Ithadbeenself-preservation,theothernessinherrecognizinganintelligenceaslethal—andfar,farcolder.
Maxrubbedhishandoverthejawshe’dwatchedhimshaveafewminutesagowhenshe’dgoneintohisroomostensiblytotalkaboutthecase.Theexperiencehadbeenstarkly,beautifullyintimate.“Thepattern’stoopoliticalforaserialkiller,”hesaid,waitinguntilshesteppedintotheelevatorbeforefollowing.“Thatkindofasociopathicdrivewouldn’thaveallowedhimtokeephisurgesleashedtotheextentofonlycommittingmurdersonthevergeofabigdeal.”
“There’sanotherrumorthatmightbemoreapropos,”Sophiasaid,curlingherfingersintoherpalmstokeepfromtouchingthesmoothskinofhisjaw,breathinginthefreshpineofhisaftershave.”ThatNikitaandKrychekhavesomekindofanalliance.”
“Nowthatfitsthepattern,”Maxmurmuredasthedoorsopenedatthegaragelevel.Headingtothevehiclethey’drentedattheairport,avehiclethathadspenttheentiretyofthepastforty-eighthourssittinginthegarage—MaxhavinghadaccesstoanEnforcementcar,whileSophiaremainedinthehoteltowork—hedumpedtheirbagsinthetrunk.“Someone’stryingtocausesuspicionbetweenthetwo.”
“Do—”Shewascutoffbythebeepingofhercellphone.Pullingitout,shesaid,“SophiaRusso.”
“ThankGodIcaughtyou—Max’sphonewon’tgothrough.”Itwasanunfamiliarvoice,tremblingasifthespeakerhadrunahundredmiles.“ThisisFaithNightStar.”
GettingintothecarwhenMaxopenedthedoorforher,Sophiaimmediatelyrealizedthereasonforthecall.“Youhadavision.”AndthevisionsofacardinalF-Psywereaccuratetowithinahundredthofadecimalpoint.
“Yes,”FaithsaidasMaxsnappedonhissafetybeltandwenttoputhisthumbprintonthestarter.“Thecarisrigged.Doyouunderstand?”Franticwords.“Don’tstarttheengine.”
Max’sthumbbrushedtheignitionswitch.
“No!”SophiajerkedMax’shandawayfromtheignitionwithawrenchthathadhisheadsnappingtowardher.
“Sophia!”Faith’svoicemergedwithMax’sdemandtoknowwhatwasgoingon
“I’mfine,”shesaidtoFaith,tremorsshakingherframe.“We’rebothfine.Here,youbetterspeakdirectlytoMax.”
Leaningbackinherseat,shetriedtogetherhearttobeatinanormalrhythmasMaxhadashort,sharpdiscussionwithFaith.Closingthephone,heorderedhertostepoutofthecar.Neitherofthemsaidaworduntiltheywerestandinginfrontoftheinnocuous-lookingvehicle.
“I’mgettingthebombsquad,”Maxsaid,usinghercellphonetomakethecallwhenhisownprovedtohaveaflatbattery.“They’llbehereinfiveminutes,tops.”
“Sosoon?”Shehadtofocusonthemundane,onthepractical…ratherthanonthefactthatMaxhadcometerrifyinglyclosetodeath.
Maxtouchedherlightlyontheback,andsherealizedjusthowmuchshe’dmissedthecontactinthefreneticpaceofthepasttwodays.Noonehadevertoldherthattouchwassomethingyoubecameaddictedto,thelossofitahunger,anachedeepwithin.
“TheyworkoutofthesameEnforcementbuildingweusedasabase.”HishanddroppedawayasanEnforcementvehicledroveintothegarage.“Still,thatwasdamnfast.”
Twomenandonewomansteppedout,allthreeintheprotectivegearofthebombsquad.“Tellmewhatyouknow,”thewomansaid.
“Wegottheheads-upfromanF-Psy—”Maxbegan.
“Foreseer?”Thewomanwhistled.“Ididn’trealizetheymadecivilianpredictions—hearditwasallbusiness.”
“FaithNightStar,”Maxsaid.“She’spartofDarkRiver.ShesawthecarexplodeafterIstartedtheengine.”
“Hmm.Givencurrenttechnology,it’sgottobesomekindofadetonationmessagebeingsenttotheactualdevice.”Shewasalreadymovingtowardthecar,equipmentinhand.“Youtwomightwanttoclearthegarage.You’renotwearingprotectivegear.”
Maxnoddedtotheentranceramp.“We’llbewaitingoutside.”
“I’llgiveyouayellsoonaswelocateanything.”
Faithpacedacrossthebeautifullylightedcavethatwasherhomeoffice,rubbingherhandsupanddownherarms.
“Youcold,sweetheart?”
Lookingup,shefoundVaughninthedoorway.Herjaguarhadastreakofwhitedustonhisface,aripnearthebottomofhisT-shirt,andwassowonderfulshestillcouldn’tbelievehewashers.“No.”Butshewalkedintohisembrace.“Holdme.”
“Hey.”Hisarmscamearoundher,strongandwarm,onehandgrippingachiselhe’dclearlybeenusingonhiscurrentsculpture.“IthoughtyousaidthecopandhisJwereallright?”
“Theyare.”Sheranherfingersoverthegrittydustthatcoveredtheskinofhisarm.“ButIstillhavethisknowingthatsomethingbadiscoming.”Shehatedtheamorphousknowingsevenmorethanthedarkvisions.Atleastthevisionsshowedhersomethingconcrete,somethingshecouldfightoravert.“It’sanemotionalknowing—connectedtosomeonewho’simportanttome.”
“Didyoutrytheexercisesyou’vebeenworkingontofine-tuneyourcontroloveryourabilities?”
Shenodded,slidingherhandsunderhisT-shirtandtothemuscledwarmthofhisback.“Ican’tbreakthroughtheveil.AndVaughn,it’ssomethingreally,reallybad.”Icefilledherheart,coatedherveins.“WhatifIcan’tstopit?”Whatifshelostoneofthepeoplesheloved?
Vaughnpressedhislipstoherbrow.“Wediscussedthis.You’llgomadifyoutakeresponsibilityforeveryevilyoucan’tstop.”Histonewasgentlebutabsolute.“Yousavedtwolivestoday.Celebratethat.”
Raisingherhead,shemetthosegoldeneyes—eyesofajunglecatmadehuman—thathadbecomethefulcrumofheruniverse.“It’shard.”AndpartofthereasonwhysomanyF-Psyhadgoneirrevocablymadinthepast—thatneedtosaveeverylife,averteverysorrow,coulddevourtheunwary.
“That’swhyyouhaveme.”Lipsagainstherown,intenseprotectivenessinthewayhisbodycurvedoverhers.“Let’sseeifwecan’tgetyouintoabetterframeofmind.”Andthenherjaguarwaspurringlowinhisthroatashepeeledoffherclothes.“It’llcometoyouifyou’rerelaxed.”
Shefeltherheartlightenwithsensualhumor.Oh,howsheneededhim.Hisabilitytoplay,tolaugh,tolove,madeeverydarknessbearable.“Soyou’restrippingmenakedformybenefit?”
Alooksoinnocent,itwould’vedoneoneofTammy’srambunctioustwinsproud.“Ofcourse.”
Faithlethimloveher,lethimcomforther…andhopeditwouldbreakopenthedeadlockonhermind.Becausewhateverwascoming,itwasacrushing,terrifyingblacknessthatonlyevermeantonething.
Death.CHAPTER28
Wedon’tchooseourparents.Andtheirmistakesaren’tourown.Youarewhatyoumakeyourself—don’teverforgetthat.
—MaxShannoninreplytoane-mailfromthesolesurvivoroftheCastletonmurder-suicide
Sophiaallowedherselftoleanagainstthegaragewalloncethey’dexitedontothequietstreetoutside.Shewasn’tconcernedaboutsettingoffalarmbellsifcaughtonsurveillance—evenPsysometimeslosttheperfectposturethathadbeendrilledintothemasasymptomandindicationofcontrol.
Maxbracedhimselfwithonearmonthewallbesideher,hiseyesablazethoughhekepthisdistance.Hisearliertoucheveryonewoulddiscountasahumanactioninspiredbytheemotionsofthemoment.Butifhetouchedhernow,Sophiaknewshewouldn’tbeabletoresistcrumblingintohisembrace.
“Youokay?”Roughtone,violencecontained.
Shewantedsomuchtocrawlintohisarms,toholdthesolidrealityofhimtoheruntilshebelievedhewasalive,wassafe.“Yes.”
LinesbracketedMax’smouth.“Thishastobeconnectedtotheworkwe’redoingforNikita.”
“Notnecessarily.”Realizingthathewasfocusinghisangerintowork,shekickedhersluggishbrainintogear.“Bonnerisverywealthy,andBartholomewsaidthathehasmanygroupies.”
“I’llhavehisvisitorlogsandmailrecordscheckedout.Butfactis,helikesplayingwithyou—Idon’tthinkhe’dhaveyoukilled.”
“HehasnowayofknowingI’mworkingwithyouonanothercase,”shesaid,herhandsclammyinsidehergloves,herheartbeaterratic,“especiallyifthisparticularplanwasputinmotionbeforewemet.Heconsidersyouhisadversary,doesn’the?”She’dseenthenotes,notesBonnerhadsenttoMaxwhilehe’dstillbeenanunknownserialkiller.Eachhadbeenataunt,adeclarationofhissuperiority.
ButthenMaxhadcaughthim.
“Fuck.”Blowingoutabreath,Maxclenchedhisfistagainstthewall,theroughtextureoftheplascreterubbingagainsthisskin.HewantednothingmorethantograbSophiaanddraghertohischest,tocrushhercloseuntilthethuddingfearofhisheartbeatdecreasedtosomethinglessagonizing.
“Max,”asoftword,awarningfromaJwitheyesfullofrememberedterror.
Shovinghisotherhandintoapockettostophimselffromreachingforher,hesaid,“Bonnerlikestogetupcloseandpersonal.”
Sophianodded,herhairliftinginthebreezethatsentadiscardedsoft-drinkbottlerollingdowntheotherwiseemptystreet.“Yes,abombissomethingmoreapttobeusedbythoseofmyrace—especiallyiftheaimwasexpediency.”
“Let’sseewhatthebombsquadhastosay.”
Theyhadtowaitfifteenmoreminutesbeforethesquadcalledanall-clear,havingremovedthedeviceandplaceditintoablast-proofcontainer.“Hightech,”thefemalememberoftheteamsaid.“Nothingyouraveragemalcontentcouldmakeonhisown.”
Maxhunkereddownbesideher,awareofthetwomalesgivingSophiatheonce-over.Iftheysomuchassmiledwronginherdirection,thosefaceswouldbehittingtheold-fashionedconcreteofthegaragefloor—hewasnotinarationalmoodrightnow.“Someonewealthy?”
“Sure.Therichcansourceanything,butthey’dhavetohavesomefairlystrongcontacts—thisstuffisDefensegrade.”
“IsitfromaPsycompany?”Sophiacametostandsoclosebesidehim,hecould’vereachedoutandcurvedhishandaroundthesmoothtemptationofhercalf.Thoughheforcedhimselfnottotouch,herproximitysoothedtheclawingedgeofhisprotectiveness.
“Can’ttellfromasurfacelook,butthey’retheleadersinexplosivetechnology,soI’mguessingyeah.”Shelockedthebox.“Youwantmetocallforensics?”
“Thanks.”Rising,hesaidgood-byetothebombexpertsjustastwouniformedofficersarrivedtoholdthescenesecure.“DetectiveChenisonherway,”oneofthemsaid.
GrabbingChen’snumberfromthem,Maxmadeacalltoher,thenonetoBart,tellinghimoftheincidentandaskinghimtohavehispeoplegooverBonner’smailandvisitorrecords.
“I’llorganizeit,”Bartsaid.“Gladyou’resafe.”
“Thanks.”Endingthecall,Maxmadeanotheroneaskingforaridetotheairport.
“Shouldn’twestayfortheinvestigation?”Sophiaasked.
“Nopoint.”MaxwantedSophiaoutofhere,wantedhersafe.“IknowChen,andshe’sahellofadetective.She’llkeepusintheloopiftheydiscoversomething—andshe’sokaywithtakingourstatementsoveracommlink.”
“AndifthisisconnectedtoNikitaratherthanBonner,”Sophiasaid,“thenweneedtobeinSanFrancisco.”
“Yeah,becauseevenPsysureashellwouldn’tattempttoblowupacopfiveminutesfromanEnforcementstationunlesstheywereplanningsomethingdamnspectacular.Eitherwe’vegottentooclosetosomething—”
“—orweweremeanttobeadistraction,”Sophiacompleted.
Thequestionwas—Whoorwhattargetwasimportantenoughtochancetakingoutacop?Thefactthathewashumandidn’tnegatethedanger—allpoliticsaside,Enforcementcommandwouldtakethemurderofoneofitsofficersasapersonalattack.
SaschagrinnedasLucasstoppedatasmallcornershoptobuyheranicecream.“Thankyou,Mr.Hunter.”
“You’rewelcome,Saschadarling.”Heshookhisheadastheypulledawayfromthestore.“Idon’tknowwhereitallgoes.”
Shetookacontentedbiteofherchocolate-coatedchocolateicecream.“Don’tmakememad.”
Heshuddered.“Ithinkyou’vefulfilledyourquotaofcrazytoday.”
Shemadeafaceathim,abletohearthecat’shumorinhisvoice.“Thereisnoquota,notonceyoustartcarryingaroundabowlingballinyourbelly.”Alittlepattoreassurethebaby,whoappearedtobefastasleep.“NotthatIdon’tadoreourlittlebowlingball.”
Afondglancefromthecatbesideher.“Whyarewegoingintowork?”
“Becausetheyneedyoutosigndocuments.”Savoringthedelicioustreat,shesighed.“It’ssuchabeautifulday.”
“Let’stakeadrivethroughthePresidiobeforeweheadin,”hesaid,referringtotheforestedregionjustoutsidethecity.“YoucanfindanicesunnyspottoeatyouricecreamwhileItakeanap.”
Sheshothimalaughingglance,warmthfillingherbodyattheremembranceofexactlywhyhewassosleep-deprived.“Areyoucomplaining?”
“No”—awickedsmile—“I’mplanningmyrevenge.”
MaxandSophiahadgoneovereverypieceofevidencerelatedtoNikita’scasetwicebythetimetheyweretwentyminutesintotheirflight.“Whatarewemissing?”Maxmuttered,frustratedatthefeelingthattheywerebeingblindtosomethingcriticallyimportant.Bonnerandhistwistedgamesjustdidn’tfit.
ThevanillaofSophia’sshampoowhisperedacrosshissensesasshebentherheadoverherorganizer,aninvisiblecaress.“Whateveritis,itmustbetakingplacesooniftheycameafterusinsuchahigh-risklocation.”They’dbothrealizedthebombcould’vebeenplantedanytimeinthepastforty-eighthours.Whichmeant—“Wehavetoworkontheassumptionthatthetimelinehastobevery,veryshortbynow.”
“Astrikeanytimesoonwillbreakthepatternofmurdersbeforeabigdeal.”MaxhadspokentoNikitapriortoboardingtheairjet,reconfirmedthatnothingwasevenclosetofinal.“Why?”
“Something’smadethempushtheirscheduleforward.”Herthighbrushedhis.
Thefleetingtouchwasabalm,centeringhim.“Nikita’speople—anyonewho’llbeoutofeasyreachforalongperiod?”
Sophiatappedthescreenofherorganizerwithquickmotions.“Prague,Berlin,Tokyo,hardlyout-of-the-waylocations.Andanywhoaregoingarecomingbackwithinaweekortwoatmost.”
“Ithastobeanissueofaccess,”Maxmuttered.“Andforsomereason,theywereworriedwe’dfigureitout—”
“You,Max.”Sophia’seyesturnedanintense,incrediblenightviolet.“Theywereworriedyouwouldfigureitout—you’rethewildcardinthissituation,ahumanwhosethoughtprocessestheycan’tpredict.”
“Okay,soatargetaPsywouldn’timmediatelythinkof,coupledwithadeadly—”Icecrawledthroughhisveins,righttohisheart.“No.”
“Max?”
“WherethehelldidIseeit?”Reachingintotheseatpocketinfrontofthem,hepulledouttheentertainmentmodule.“Theywereflashingtheselectionsonthebigscreenwhenweboarded,remember?”
“Yes,butwhatdidyou—”
“There!”Hestoppedonthefrontpageofanationaltabloid.Theheadlinewas:Scoop!SaschaDuncanPregnant!Belowthatwasanotherheadlineinaslightlysmallerfont:DarkRiverAlphaKeepsPregnantMateCaptive!
Maxputdownthemodule.“BastardsareafraidthecatsreallyareabouttoputSaschaintohiding.”
AsickfeelingbloomedinthepitofSophia’sstomachassherememberedtheglowingwarmthofSascha’spresence.TheE-Psywassomethingincrediblygood,somethingtheirraceneededtoprotect,notharm.“Ourcellphoneswon’twork.”Asaresultofaccidentsinthetwentiethcentury,alldeviceswerenowautomaticallyblockedwhileanairjetwasinthesky.
Maxwasalreadyrising.“I’lltalktothesteward,getanemergencycallout.”
“Wait,”Sophiasaid.“That’lltaketoolong.I’lldoitonthePsyNet.”Thoughshewasaverystrongtelepath,hershieldswereviciouslydegraded.IfsheattemptedtosendthatfarwithouttheaidoftheNet,theycouldcollapse,killingherbeforethemessagereachedtheintendedrecipient.
“YoudoitontheNet,I’llmakethecall,coverourbases.”
Nodding,sheclosedhereyestoensuretotalfocusandopenedherpsychiceye.Shehadn’ttriedtocrosshernewshieldsbeforetoday,butiftheywerehers,theyshouldobeyher—andtheydid,wrappingherindistinctivemobilefirewallsassheexitedoutintothePsyNet.
ForcingherselftoignorethebatteringinfluxofinformationthatwastheendlessriveroftheNet,shearrowedstraighttoNikita’smind.Asexpected,theCouncilor’sshieldswerebeyondimpenetrable,butSophiabegantotrytobreakthem.Itwastheeasiestwaytoensureshe’dgetNikita’sattentionasfastaspossible.
Itonlytookasplitsecond.“Ms.Russo.”Nikita’sicypresence.“Peoplewhoattempttohackmyshieldsdon’tusuallysurvive.”
Sophiaknewfullwellshe’driskedinfectionfromamentalvirusiftheCouncilorhadlacedherdefenseswithherownpersonalbrandofpoison.“YouneedtogetamessagetoSascha.Wethinkshe’sthenexttarget.”
“Details?”
“Nothingconcrete—butit’llhappenverysoon.”
Nikitabrokecontact.
DroppingoutoftheNet,Sophiafoundthatshewasgrippingthearmrestssotight,hertendonsshowedwhiteagainstherskin.
“Sophie,sweetheart,talktome.”Itwasasoft-voicedcommand,meanttocarrytoherearsaloneasMaxreturnedtoslideintohisseat.
“ItoldNikita.”Sheswallowed,realizingsomethingtoolate.“Ijusthopeshewastherightpersontotell.”CHAPTER29
OnethingI’velearnedaftersomanyyearsonthejob—nooneissimple,nooneisone-dimensional.Andstill,peoplesurpriseme.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon
Sascha’sandLucas’sphonesbothstartedbeepingwiththepack’semergencycodewhentheyweretwostreetsoverfromtheHQ.Thenthecarphonestartedbeeping.
“Whatthehell?”Lucasdouble-parkedbesideabrightmagentamonstrositythatSaschahadbeenteasinghimaboutbuying.
“I’llgetmine,”Saschawassayingwhenshefeltatelepathicknockonhermind.Firm,familiar.Mother.Herowntelepathicreachwassmall,butNikita’swassowide,she’dhearSascha’sweakervoice.
Youmayhavebeenchosenasatargetbymyenemies.
Iunderstand.
Themethodsthey’veusedthusfarsuggesttheydonothaveateleport-capabletelekineticattheirdisposal.
I’llmakesureI’mcarefulaboutmyphysicalsurroundings.
Don’tforgetaboutexplosives.
No.
I’llorganizeprotection—
Thankyou,Mother,Saschasaid,emotionarockinherthroat,butthepackwilltakecareofme.Ipromise.
Verywell.
Nikita’sminddroppedaway,butSaschadidn’ttakeitfordisapproval.GlancingatLucas,shesawhisgreeneyeshadgonecat.“MymotherjustwarnedmeImightbeatarget,”shesaid.
“Ithoughtyouwere’pathingtosomeone.”Startingupthecar,heturnedbackthewaythey’dcome,headingoutofthecityandtowardtheircabin.“Faithhadavision—thatwasyourphone.Doriancorneredasniperonhissecurityrounds—thatwasmyphone.AndClaygotacallfromMaxbeforehisowninformantstoldhimaboutanothersuspiciousmanintheapartmentbuildingfacingtheHQ—thatwasthecarphone.”
Saschablewoutabreath.“Darling,youdorealizethatmeansthebabyandIwereneverinanydanger?”
Lucassqueezedthesteeringwheelasifhe’dliketoripitoff.“I’mnotgoingtocalmdownforawhile,sodealwithit.”
Reachingout,sherubbedthebackofherhandoverhischeek.“Sincewe’regoinghome,I’llhavelotsofprivacytopetyou.”Anudgeinherstomach,athumpinherheart.“Andyoucanpetmeback.”
Theleopardshotheraquickglance.
“Theywould’vehurtyou,too.”Howdarethey!
Lucastookherhand,broughtittoherlips.“Thepackwould’veneverletthathappen.”
Thecunningwayherleopardhadturnedherwordsbackonherwhenitsuitedhimthrustpasttheangertoleaveonlyadeepneedtotouch,tolove,tocherish.“Takemehome,Lucas.”
MaxcalledLucastheinstanttheylanded.“She’ssafe?”
“We’rebothfine—youthereasonNikitaknew?”
“SophiemanagedtopassonamessagethroughthePsyNet.”
“ClayandDorianhavesomeinteloutatourHQthatyoushouldsee—probablyshouldn’tcomeoverthecommlines.”Along,indrawnbreath.“And,Cop—thanks.”
Hangingup,MaxnoddedtoSophie.“She’sfine.Andwemighthavealead.”Hewaitedonlyuntiltheywereinsidethecarbeforereachingovertoclosehishandoverherthigh,hispalmseparatedfromherskinbynothingbutthematerialofherskirt.HeunderstoodexactlyhowferaltheDarkRiveralphawasfeelingatthatmoment.IfFaithhadn’twarnedthemaboutthebomb…“Iwanttostripyoutotheskinanddriveintoyouuntilwebothscream.”
“Max.”
Ittookhimthreeminutesofteeth-grittingcontrolbeforehecouldbegindriving.NeitherofthemsaidanotherworduntiltheywalkedintotheDarkRiverbuilding.Claymettheminthelobbyandledthemupstairstoameetingroom,whereDorianwaswaiting.
Thesentinelwithhisblue-eyed,blondgoodlooksraisedahand.“Here’sthelowdown—theassassinIfoundatesomekindofafuckingsuicidetablet.Ihaven’tseenanythinglikeitoutsideofhistoricaldramas.”
“Iworkedacasewhereasmallcultcommittedsuicideenmasse,”Maxsaid,hismindcascadingwithbleakimagesofsmallbodiescurledupbesidelargeronesthatshould’veprotected,notharmed.“Theyusedawinelacedwithpoison.”
“Itspeaksoffanaticaldevotion,”hisJsaid,“ratherthanprofessionalism.”
“Buthewasaprofessional,too.”Dorianshowedthemsomeimagesonthecommscreen.“Hisgear,thewayhe’dbeenwaitingtherelongenoughtohaveleftDNAbehind,ifyouknowwhatImean—themanknewwhathewasdoing.”
“Where’sthebody?”
Claywastheonewhoresponded.“Enforcementmorgue.”
“Andtheotherone?”Maxasked.
Thesentinellookeddisgusted.“Hefiguredoutwewereontohimandrabbited.Ihadtobringhimdowninapublicarea—Enforcementwastherewithinaminute.He’ssittinginacellnottalkingrightnow.Nodoubthe’sPsy.”
“There’ssomethingelse.”Dorianpickedupwhatlookedlikeabusinesscardoffthetable.“Thiswasleftbehindintheroomwherethesecondsniperwashiding.”
“That’sevidence.”Maxscowled.“You’vefuckingcontaminatedthehelloutofit.”
“Trustme,”Doriansaid,“youdon’twantthatinthesystem.Andweprocessedit.”
Maxglanceddowntoseethatthecardcarriedasinglelineoftext—whatlookedlikeacommcode.Turningitover,hereadthehandwrittennote:Sascha,DRHQ
“Irecognizethatcode,”Sophiasaidinaquietvoice.“It’sCouncilorDuncan’sprivateline.”
“Verywellguarded,”Doriansaid.“Andavailableonlytoaselectfew.”
Maxshookhishead.“Nikitaisn’tbehindthis.Andthehandwriting—thetime’smissing.”
Sophiatookitfromhishand.“Theyweregoingtoinsertthatoncethey’dhitSascha,makeitseemasifNikitahadgiventhemthelocationandtime.”Sheplacedthecardbackonthetable.“ButthefactthattheyhavethisnumberfurtherimplicatessomeoneinNikita’sinnercircle.”
“AnotherCouncilorwouldalsohaveit—orbeabletogetit,”Maxsaid,eyesnarrowed.“NoquestionthatNikitahasamoleinsideherorganization,butthere’samuchlargerpowerbehindthis.”
“I’vealreadygotourinformantsonalertforanythingthatmightberelated.”Claysaidwithatightlyheldfury.“Youneedus,we’rethere.”
Maxtappedthecard.“Whatdidyoufind?”
Dorian’sscowldidnothingtolessenthesheerbeautyofhisface.“Onlyusableprintwas—surprise,surprise—Nikita’s.”
“Theyreallythoughtyouweregoingtofallforthat?”Maxhadseenthewaythecatsoperated—theywerehighlyintelligentpredators.
Dorian’smouthwentgrim.“Ifthey’dsucceededinhurtingSascha,wewouldn’thavebeenthinkingtoostraight.Theleopardwould’vegoneforblood.”
And,Sophiarealizedwithachillinherheart,theensuingcarnagewouldhavebegunawar.CHAPTER30
Nikitathoughtlongandhardabouthernextmove,considered,too,whatitmightbetray.Nothing.Ifshewascareful.
Pickinguphercellphone,sheinputacode.
AnthonyKyriakusansweredafterafewseconds.“Nikita,thisisunexpected.”
Yes,Nikitathought,itwas.Thoughtheyoccupiedthesamebasicareaofthestate,theirpathsrarelycollided.TheNightStarempirewasbuiltaroundtheforeseeingabilitiessoprevalentintheirgeneticline,whileNikita’sowncompanyhadamuchmoreprosaicbaseinhousinganddesign.But—“Wedohavecertaincommonalities.”
Apause.“IsthisaCouncilmatter?”
“No.”Thatleftthemwithonlyonecommonthread,athreadthey’dneverbeforediscussed.“Saschawastargetedbymyenemiestoday.YoumaywishtoensureFaith’ssafety.”
“Idon’tthinkyou’redoingthisoutofthegoodnessofyourheart.”
Nikitahadnoheart.Whatshehadwerebrainsandasurvivalinstinctthatsawnothingwrongwithkilling,manipulation,andbetrayal.Butshewasn’tfickle.Thatwasbadforbusiness.“Itstrikesme,”shesaid,“thatouraimshavecoincidedmoreoftenthannotinCouncilmattersoflate.”
“You’realliedtoKrychek.”
“Soareyou.”Itwas,sheknew,lessofanalliancethanshehadwithKaleb,butitexisted.“Theyareattemptingtotakeourterritory,Anthony.”
“That’stheirmistake.”And,forthefirsttime,sheheardthepuresteelthathadmadeAnthonyKyriakusathreatlongbeforehebecameCouncil.CHAPTER31
TomyCop—Ineverimaginedyoucouldexist,thatyouwouldexist,forsomeonelikeme.Ineverimaginedthatyou’dlookatmethewayyoudo.Ineverimaginedhowharditwouldbetosaygood-bye.
—SophiaRussoinanencryptedandtime-codedlettertobesenttoMaxShannonafterherdeath
ThemainEnforcementstationinSanFranciscowasasprawlingcomplexfulltothebrimwithhumanity—andatpresent,aPsyassassin.
Sophiatookadeepbreathastheywereleddownthroughthebullpenandtotheshort-termholdingfacilitiesatthebackofthestation.Somanyvoices,somanypeople,somanymemoriesanddreams—itwasaceaselessbuzzinherhead,hershieldsalreadystrainedafterthetimespentintheenclosedspaceoftheairjet.
Thoughshekeptherarmstighttoherbody,herfaceturnedaway,peoplestillbumpedintoher.She’dmanagedtoavoidskin-to-skincontactsofar—mostlybecauseMaxhadbeenusinghisownbodytoshieldhersinthemostsubtleofways,butitwasimpossibletodoanythingbutgritherteethagainsttheonslaughtofpsychicnoise.
Hopesandwishes.Hatesandloves.Joysandsorrows.
Eventhoughshecouldn’treadanyspecificthoughts,shecouldfeelthecolossalweightofthosethoughtsbatteringather.Thepressureagainsthershieldswasimmense—shewasterrifieditwouldcreateabreak,crushingherunderanavalancheofotherpeople’snightmares.
“Hereyougo.”Thecopwho’descortedthemstoppedinfrontofacell.“Hehasn’tsaidaword.”
“Thanks.”Maxheldouthishand.“Iappreciatethecooperation.”
Thecopshookit,buthiseyeswereflat.“YouhavePsybacking.Callmewhenyou’redone.”
WhitelinesbracketedMax’smouthastheothermanwalkedaway.Shewantedtocomforthim,butwhatcouldshesay?ShewasPsy,partoftheveryracewhosehistoryofarrogancemeantMaxwasbeingseenasatraitortohisownpeople.
Hisgazemethersatthatmomentandsomethinginhimseemedtoease.Walkinguptotheold-fashionedsteelbarsofthetemporaryholdingcell,hesaid,“Keepingyourmouthshutisn’tgoingtoachieveanything,notwhileyou’reinNikita’sterritory.”
Themansittingonabunkononesideoftheroomdidn’tsomuchasturnhishead.Maxtriedagain.Withthesameresult.Shiftingtoglanceather,Maxraisedaneyebrow.Shetookastepclosertothebars.“Fanaticism,”shesaid,keepinghertoneclear,Silent,pure,“isabreachofSilence.”
Noresponse,butsheknewhewaslistening.
“Thefactthatyourcolleaguecommittedsuicidewhenhewasofsoundmindandbodyspeakstothatfanaticism.”
Themanliftedhishead.“Itcouldaswellhavebeenatacticaldecisiontodeprivetheenemyofanindividualtointerrogate.”
“Butyoudidn’tfollowthatpath,”shepointedout.“Youdidn’tagreewithhisactions.”
“Ihavenothingtohide.”Coolwords.“It’snocrimetobeinanapartmentinSanFrancisco.EvenonewithaviewoftheDarkRiverbuilding.”
Sophiawonderedifthemalehadtrulythoughtthroughtheconsequencesofhisactions.Legalesewouldn’tsavehim,notwhenhe’dprovenhimselfpartoftheconspiracyagainstNikita.Steppingback,sheloweredhervoicesothatitwouldcarryonlytoMax.
“Nikitadoesn’tknowyet.”Thatmuchwasapparentbecauseifshehad,thisman’smindwould’vebeentornapartlikesomuchpaperbeforethey’deverhadachancetotalktohim.
Maxsethisjaw.“Idon’tcarewhothefucksheis—shedoesthat,I’mdonewiththiscase.TheycanblowherupforallIcare.”
Nikitawouldbidehertime,Sophiathought.Becauserightnow,sheneededMax.“DoyouwanttoattemptfurtherquestioningwhileI—”
Thescreamwassharp,highpitched.Evenasthemedicalalarmsbeganblaring,thePsymalefellforwardandtothefloor,hisbodyfloppingaboutinthethroesofaseizurethathadhisheadthumpingoverandoveragainsttheplascretefloor.
Maxhadruntograbtheguardwiththekeytheinstantafterthefirstscream,butSophiakneltbythebars,herhearttwistinginpity.Thewould-beassassin’sfacewascontorted,bloodleakingoutofhisears,andthere,inthosefinalmoments,Sophiasawfearfillhissoul.Reachingthroughthebars,shegrippedthehandthatflailedtowardher.“Holdon,helpiscoming.”
Hishandspasmedonhers,pullingdownherglove.
Andhetouchedonefingertotheskinbaredatherwrist.
Ascreamofsound,imagesandthought,yesterdaystangledupindyingagonies.
Someone—Max—wrenchedbackherhand.“Sophia!”
Sheblinked,desperatelytryingtocontroltheuglyroilinginherstomach.“Helphim.”Itcameouthusky,rough.
Maxshookhishead,hiseyessolemn.“It’stoolate.”
Followinghisgaze,shesawanotherEnforcementofficerinsidewiththeprisoner,hisheadbowedindefeat.ThePsymale’seyesstaredunseeingattheceiling.
Nikitawasadamantshehadn’tkilledtheman.“Hewaseliminatedtopreventmefromdiscoveringwhatheknew,”shesaidwhentheyconfrontedher.“IfIhadtakenhismind,rippedawayhissecrets,I’dhavenomoreuseforyouandMs.Russo,Detective—andI’dmakesureyouknewit.”
SophiawatchedMaxholdthatchillinggaze.“Nowthat,Ibelieve.”
“Thiswouldn’thavehappenedifI’dbeennotifiedatthestart.”
Itwastrue.Becauseshe’dhavedonethejobherself.
Butshehadn’t.
Andrightthen,Sophiawastoonumbtoconsideranythingfurther.Shefeltbatteredandbruisedbythetimetheyarrivedbackhome.Shedidn’tmaketheslightestprotestwhenMaxusheredherintohisapartmentratherthanherown.“Gotakeahotshower,”heordered,nudginghertowardthebedroomandthebathroomthatflowedoffit.“I’llmakeyousomethingtoeat.”
Shefeltherlowerliptrembleanditwassuchastrangesensationthatshestaredathim,uncomprehending.
“Comeon,sweetheart.”Softwords,agentletoneashewalkedherintothebedroomandturnedherinthedirectionofthebathroomdoorwithhishandsonhershoulders,carefultokeephisfingersawayfromherskin.
Hewastakingcareofher,shethought,hershockedstateleavingherwithoutdefensesofanykind.“You’rethefirstpersonwho’severtakencareofme.”Evenbeforeherparentshadrejectedher,she’dbeennothingbutapracticalresponsibility.
Maxwentvery,verystillbehindher.Then,releasingalongbreath,heleanedincloseenoughthattheirbreathsmingled.“Yeah?”Aslowsmile.“Iguessthatmakesmealuckyman.”Movingtofaceher,hetuggedatherarmsuntilsheloweredthemfromaroundherwaist.Thenhepulledoffherjacket.“Baby,ifIstripyou,I’mnotsureI’mgoingtobeabletokeeponbeingnoble.”
Somethingsnappedawakeinsideofher,electrifiedattheideaofMaxseeinghernaked.“I’llbeallright.”
Shiftingback,Maxtookoutsomethingfromthecloset.“Youcanputthisonafter.”
Itwas,shesaw,oneofhisshirts.Shecould’veaseasilyaskedhimtogointoherapartmentandretrievesomeofherownclothing,butshetooktheshirt…tookthescentofMaxintoherhands.“Thankyou.”
“There’sasparetowelontherail.Leavethedooropen,”hesaid.“I’llbeinthelivingroom—IwanttobesureIhearyouifyoucallout.”
Shecouldn’tfindthewordsshewantedtosay,sosheforcedherfeetforwardandintothebathroom.Leavingthedoorajar,shelistenedtothesoundsofMaxmovingaboutinthebedroomashechanged.Bythetimeshepeeledoffherclothingandsteppedintotheshower,shenolongerfeltsoclosetobreaking.Still,therewasanewfragilityinsideofher,anewfractureinherinnermostpsychicshields.
Ican’tbreak,shethoughttoherself,obdurateinheranger,herneed,notyet.Ihaven’tlivedyet.
Turningofftheshoweronlyafterherskinwaspinkfromtheheat,shegotoutandusedthesparetoweltodryherself,thenpickedupMax’sshirtandbroughtituptohernose.Ithadbeenlaundered,butshecouldsenseechoesofMax’sinnatescentbeneaththefreshnessofthedetergent.
Itslippedeasilyoverherbody,hangingtomidthigh.Thecolorwaswhite,butthefabricwasthickenoughthatshedidn’thavetoworryaboutherlackofunderwearbeingembarrassinglyobvious.NotthatMaxwouldn’talreadybeawarethatshewasnakedbeneathhisshirt.Feelinghercheekscolor,sheputherdirtyclothes—andgloves—inaneatpiletotheside,thensteppedoutintothebedroom.
Itwasempty.
Gladforthereprieve,shefoundherselfwalkingtothedresser.Aplainblackcomblayonthesurface,alongwithawalletandakeycard.Theausterenatureofitsuitedhim,shethought,becauseforallhismasculinebeauty,Maxwasacopthroughandthrough.Takingthecomb,sheliftedituptoherhair.Itfeltwonderfullyintimatetorunitthroughthedampstrands,andsheimaginedwhatitwouldbeliketohavehimstrokeherscalpwiththosestrongfingersofhisinstead.
“Sophie.”
Startled,shedroppedthecombonthedresser,turningtofindhimleaningagainstthedoorjamb.He’dchangedintofadedbluejeansandaplainblackT-shirtthatcaressedhislitheframewithsoftease.“Youlooksoyoung,”shesaid.Withhishairslidingoverhisforeheadandhisexpressionoutwardlyrelaxed,hecould’vebeenacollegekid…buttherewastoomuchknowledgeinthoseuptiltedeyes.
“Lookwho’stalking.”Withthat,hepushedawayfromthedoorjambandclosedthedistancebetweenthemwiththatinherentlymasculinegrace.“Youlookgoodinmyshirt.”
Shetuggedatthecuffsshe’drolleduptoherwrists,nervousinawayshecouldn’texplain.“Max,I—”Thewordsstuckinherthroat,hard,jagged.
Eyesofnearblackmethersashebenthiskneestobringhimselfdowntoherheight.“Whatdoyouneed?”
Thedamburst.“Willyouholdme,Max?”
Maxsteppedcloser.“Always.Butareyousure?Yourshie—”
“Please.”
Hisarmscamearoundher,gently,sogently,asifhewasafraidshe’dshatter.Butwhenshelockedherownaroundhiswaistinaniron-tightembrace,hisholdturnedunbreakable.Theelectricityoftheircontactarcedthroughher,butbeneathitallwasatranquil,puresilence.
Asighrippledoutofher,asshefoundsweetrelieffromtheunremittingpressureofthemillionsofmindsinthevicinity,thebillionsofthoughtspressingdownonher.WhenMaxshiftedhisembracetocupthebackofherhead,sheshuddered.
Hefroze.“Sophie?”
“AllIfeelisyou,”shewhisperedagainsthisbody,thewarmthofhimmakingherwanttorubherfaceagainsthim,rubherskinagainsthimuntilhewasapartofher.“Justyou.”
“More?”Ahuskyquestion.
“More.”
Bendinghishead,hetouchedhislipstohertemple,oneofhisarmsmovinguptocurvearoundhershoulders,hisfingerstanglinginherhair.Sheexpectedhimtospeak,butwhathedidinsteadwasdropalineofkissesalonghercheekboneanddownoverherjaw.Shiveringfromthesensation,fromthenear-painfulpleasureofthecontact,shestoodontiptoe,tryingtogetcloser.Arawmalechuckle.
AndthenMaxkissedher.
Thiswasnobrush,noteasingtaste.Hetookhermouthwiththecontainedintensityshecouldfeelthrummingbeneathherfingers,hismusclestaut,hisentirebodyheldbarelyincheck.Andsherealizedhewassavagelyangry,atigernolongerontheleash.
Histonguesweptagainsthers,bucklingherknees.Shegrippedhisshoulders,triedtohangon,drowninginthedark,masculinetasteofhim.Herheartwasarapidbeatwithinherribcage,hermindaplaceofsplinteringchaos.Theonlyanchor,theonlyreality,wasMax.Hisshouldermusclesshiftingbeneathhergrasp,hemovedonearmdowntoclampoverherlowerback,hishandscrunchingupthematerialoftheshirt.
Airbrushedthebacksofherthighs,andsherememberedshewasstandinginfrontofamirror.Butthethoughtwasgoneinthenextinstantashetuggedatherhairtoangleherheadforadeeper,hotlysexualkiss.Wetandopenanddemanding,itwasthemostintimatecontactofherlife.Herchestgrewtight,sotight.
“Breathe.”AharshorderasMaxbrokethekiss.
Suckinginagaspingbreath,shepressedhermouthbacktohis.Kissingwas…wildandexhilaratingandsoshockinglyintimate,shewasn’tsureshecouldhandlewhatcameafterward.Butshewould.“No.”Theprotestwasraspedoutashebrokethekissasecondtimeandgrippedherarms,holdingherhandsfromhim.
Aredflushrodehishighcheekbones,andhisvoice,whenhespoke,trembledwiththeforceofemotion,“You’renotthinkingstraight.”
“Ican’tbealone,Max.”Shetriedtoclosethegapbetweenthem,buthewastoostrong.“Iwantyou.”
“Youhadonehellofapsychicshocktoday,”hesaid,refusingtobudge.“I’mnotabouttoletyoucausefurtherdamagebyoverloadingyour—”
“Stopit,”shesnappedoutinspiteofthefactthatherskinwasallbutcrawlingwithneed,andhadthesatisfactionofseeinghiseyesnarrow.“I’mnotachildyouhavetoprotect.IknowwhatIwant.”
Maxhissedoutabreath.“Yourshields—”
“Idon’tknowwhat’shappeningwithmyshields,”shesaid,bluntinherneed,“butIknowthatrightnow,I’manenigmatothoseinthePsyNet.Thisismychance.Ifthatshieldfailstomorrow,ifmymindistornopen,sobeit—butdon’tyoudaredenyusthisbecauseyouthinkyou’reprotectingme.Don’tyoudare.”
Max’sfingersflexedonherwrists,buthedidn’tpullherforward.“Whataboutme?”heasked,angeravibratingthreadinhisvoice.
Shewastakenabackbythequestion,bytheglitteringemotioninhiseyes.“Max—”
“Whatthefuckdoyouthinkit’lldotometoloveyou,thenwatchasyourmindbreaks?”Veinsstoodoutalonghisarms,asifhewashavingtoholdhimselfinviciouschecktokeepfromshakingher.CHAPTER32
Sophia’sexpressionshiftedfromoneemotiontothenextwithlightningspeed,butMaxhadanticipatedher,heldhertightwhenshetriedtotugherselfoutofhisgrasp.
“No,”hesaid,“youdon’tgettobeacowardandbackawaynow.”
Hereyesblazedwithfire.“I’mnotbeingacoward.You’reright—itwasselfishofmetoaskthisofyou.”
“Soyou’llwalkaway?JustputittoonecornerofyourPsymindandforgetweevertouched?”
Atrembleofherlowerlipthatshetriedtohidefromhim.“Yes.I’mPsy.”Rotewords,herfaceturnedtotheside.“I’velearnedtocompartmentalize.”
“Liar.”Andthenhekissedagain,unabletostop,whateverremainingbarriershehadshreddedbyhernearness,herscent,herpresence,thefuckingwayshewastryingsohardtofightthepainfuldepthofherneedbecauseshedidn’twanttohurthim.
Hermouthopenedunderhisevenasshetriedtopullawayherwrists.Heheldherinplaceforasecondbeforereleasingher.Insteadofpushingathimashe’dhalfexpected,shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandmethimstrokeforstroke,lickforlick.Groaning,hebuncheduptheshirtshewaswearingwithonehand,reachingdowntocupherbuttockswiththeother.
Sophiamoanedintohismouth,andhesomehowfoundthepresenceofmindtolifthishead,toask,“Isthishurtingyou?”
“No.”Pullinghimbackdown,sheusedtheskillsshe’djustlearnedtodrivehiminsane.
Hefelthisfingersdiggingintohersoftflesh,madehimselfsoftenhishold.Herresponsewastoscrapeherteethoverhisjaw,alonghisneck.Hishandsclenchedagain,hiseyesflickingtothemirroratherback.Theraweroticismoftheimagewasbeyondanythinghe’ddaredimagine.Herskinwasdelicatelyflushed,acreamysoftnessagainsthisrougher,darkerhands.
Realizingshe’dgonestill,helookeddownintoherface.Herlipswereparted,swollenfromtheirkisses.“Isthevisualimpactveryintense?”
ItwassuchaSophiawaytoputitthatthealmostviolentedgeofhishungershiftedintosomethingdifferent,exquisitelytender.“Idon’tthinkyou’requitereadyforityet,”hemurmured,indulginghimselfbystrokinghishandacrossherlushflesh.
“Later?”
“Later.”Suckingonherlowerlip,henudgedherawayfromthemirrorandtowardthebed,notsurehecouldleashhimselfinthefaceofsuchdelicioustemptation.Shedidn’tresist,lettinghimtouchherashewould,leadherashewould.
Itwasaheadysensation,andonethatparadoxicallygavehimmorecontrol.Nippingatherlowerlip,hepulledbackalittle.Shelookedlostforaninstant,untilheraisedhishandstothefrontoftheshirtsheworetoundothetopbutton.Herheaddipped,watchinghimreleasebuttonafterbuttonuntiltheshirthungcompletelyundone.Liftingahand,hetouchedasinglefingeronthedipofherbreastbone,catchingherattention.
Herchestroseupanddowninajaggedrhythmasheranthatfingerslowlydownthevalleyofherbreastsandoverthesoftnessofherabdomentocircleathernavel.Makinganinarticulatesound,shegrippedhisbiceps.“Thatisnotanintimateregion.”
Ittookhimasecond.“Ohyeah?”Spreadinghisfingersonher,hejustbarelybrushedthecurlsattheapexofherthighs.
Herfingerstightenedonhim,herbreathsturningshallow.Leavinghishandwhereitwas,hetuggedbackherheadandtookanotherkiss,butthisonewasslow,lazy,asheattemptedtoseduceherintorelaxing.Sherespondedlikewildfire,butherbodyremainedonedge,almostquiveringwithtension.Kissinghiswayalongherjaw,hesaid,“Takeofftheshirt.”
Shewentmotionless,herbreathhotagainsthisneck.Foramoment,hethoughthe’dpushedhertoofar,andwenttobackoff.Butsheliftedherhandstothelapelsoftheshirtatthatmoment,herfingersbloodlessfromtheforceofhergrip.
“No?”heasked,nuzzlingather,takingthescentofherintohislungs.“Wanttostop?”
Theanswerwassoftbutimmediate.“No.”
“Wantmetohelpyou?”
Analmostimperceptiblenod.
Forcinghimselftokeepastrangleholdonhisownhunger,heliftedhishandstocloseoverhers.Together,theypeeledaparttheedgesoftheshirttohershoulders.“Letgo,”hesaidagainstherlips.
Ittookseveralseconds,butherfingersopened.Heheldtheshirtathershouldersforalongmomentbeforereleasingthefabric.Shecould’vestoppeditsdescentusingherarms,butsherelaxedthemandthematerialslidoffherwiththehushedgraceofalover’scaress.Insteadofgorginghimselfonthelushbeautyofher,heheldherclose,placinghishandverycarefullyonherlowerback,hiseyeslockedwithhers,hismouthawhisper’sbreathfromherown.
Therewas,hewasgladtosee,nofearinher.Alittletrepidation,butthat,hecouldunderstand.Smiling,hekissedheragain,lazy,easy,undemanding.Hermouthopenedunderhim,butherbodycontinuedtothrumwithtension.“What’reyouafraidof?”hefinallyasked,cuppinghercheekwithhisfreehand.“Anddon’tsaynothing.”
Along,shudderingbreath.“Ijustwanttogetitoverwithonce—thenI’llknowwhattoexpect.”
Tendernesssweptoverhim,alongwithatouchofchagrin.“That’snotexactlythekindofthingamanwantstohearwhenhe’stryingtoseducehiswoman.”
“Max.”Aworriedlook.“IfeelasifI’mstumblinginthedark.IfIknew,thenIcould…”
“Controlit?”Agentletease.
Herhandsfistedathiswaist.“YouthinkIshouldjustletgo.”
“No,”hesaid,sippingathermouthbetweenwords.“Everyone’salittleedgytheirfirsttime.”
“Soyou’ll—”
“Howaboutinsteadofrushingit,”hemurmured,“wedowhatfeelsgood?Noexpectations,noendgoal.”
“ButIwanttofinish.”Astubbornlook.
Affectionatehungerrockedthroughhim,atoncesavageandplayful.“Yeah?”Hecouldn’thelphissmile.“Alright.”
Hereyeswidened,asifshe’dreadsomethingonhisfacethatworriedher.“Max?”
Buthewasalreadyswingingherupinhisarmsandplacingheronthebed.Comingdownoverher,hesettledhimselfintheveeofherthighs.“Wrapyourlegsaroundme.”
“Thatfeels…”Breathy,almostshocked.“Yourjeans…”
Heshiftedagainstherdelicateflesh,knowingtheroughmaterialwouldintensifythesensations.Givinganinarticulatecry,shearchedherbody.Itwasalltheinvitationheneeded.Dippinghishead,hetookonedarklittlenippleintohismouthandsuckedhard,evenasheinsinuatedahandbetweentheirbodies,reachingforthetinybudintheliquid-softcenterofherthatcouldgivesomuchpleasure.
Herfingersdugintohisshouldersasshetriedtopullhimcloserandpushhimawayatthesametime.Shiftinghisattentiontoherneglectedbreast,hebegantoplaywithherclitoris,hardthensoft.There.Hefeltittheinstantshereacted,modifiedhisstroketowhatbroughtherthemostpleasure,liftinghimselfoffherenoughthathecouldstrokedownwardtorubatthesensitiveentrancetoherbodyaswell.
Shewaswet,slick.Hecouldn’tresistthetemptationtodiphisfingerwithin.Thatwasallittook.
Achokedscream.Herbodyarchingbowstringtight.
Hecouldfeeltheedgeofthepleasurethatpulsedthroughher,wantedonlytoburyhimselfinsideher,feelthosemusclesclencharoundhiscock.Sweatbeadedalonghisspineashestrokedherdownfromtheorgasminstead.
Thesinglethingthatmadeitbearablewasthathe’ddonethistoher,tohissmart,sexy,stubborn…andvulnerableJ.
Risingtobracehispalmsoneithersideofherwhensheslumpedontothebed,herchestheaving,hetookakiss.Another.Shegaveofherselfwithouthesitation,herbodylimpbeneathhis,herskinsheenedwithperspiration.“Feelingmorerelaxed?”hemurmured.
Sophialiftedherlashestoseepurewickednessinthegorgeousbitter-chocolateeyeslookingdownather.“Yes,thankyou.”Herownlipscurved—somethingthatfeltsparkling,new,andsublimeinitsperfection.“DidIrushyou?”
“Alittle,butIplantogetmyrevenge.”AnotherMaxkiss—asifhehadallthetimeintheworldtotasteher.“Now,justliebackandenjoy.”
Rightatthatmoment,shecouldn’thavedoneanythingelse.Intellectually,she’dknownaboutorgasms,butitwasquiteadifferentmattertohaveonetearthroughherbody.“Isthatwhatit’llbelikewhenwehavesex?”
“Yes.Exactly.Sodon’tworry.”
Shethoughtshecaughtastranglededgeinthosewords,butMaxhaddippedhisheadtokisshiswayalonghercollarboneanditbecamedifficulttothink.Managingtoraiseherarmsenoughtotouchhisback,shepulledathisT-shirt.“Willyoutakethisoff?”
Heraisedhishead.“Youokaywiththatmuchtactilecontactafterwhatwejustdid?”
Itwastemptingtosayyesatonce,butshetookamomenttothinkaboutit.“Yes.”Astrangefeelinginherchest,amixofpleasure,anticipationand…laughter.“You’rewonderfullyblockheaded.”
Hislaughsoundedstartledoutofhim.Gettinguptostraddleheronhisknees,hegrinned.“Guessbeingwooden’stakenonawholenewmeaningaroundyou.”HestrippedoffhisT-shirtwithaneconomyofmotionthatstruckherasverymale.ItwasashetwistedtothrowtheT-shirtoffthesideofthebedthatshecaughtit.
“Wait.”Risinguponherelbows,shetriedtoseearoundtohisback.“Whatisthat?”
Tohersurprise,colorstreakedacrosshischeekbones.“Amementoofmymisspentyouth.”
Shewasevenmorecuriousnow.“Showme.”
Mutteringunderhisbreath,heleaneddowntokissherinstead.“Youcanlookatitlater.”
“But—”
Hismouthsweptoverhers,alldemandandatightlywoundhunger.Oh,shethought,oh.Andthatwasallhermindhadthecapacitytothinkbecausehewaspressingherdownontothebedandtheskin-to-skincontactwasashockingwhipoffirethroughherbody.Butratherthandrawingbackasshewouldhaveonce,shearchedtowardhim.Nomorefear,shethoughtThiswaslife.ThiswasMax.
“Sophie,mysweet,sexy,Sophie.”Hisjawbrushedoverherneckasheloweredhisheadtokissherbreasts,hismouthpossessiveinawayshe’dneverknownshecraveduntilthismoment,untilthisman.Twistingunderthegriphehadonherribcage—holdingherinplaceforhismaddeningcaresses,shefelttheoh-so-intriguingoutlineofhiserectionpressingagainstherthigh.
“Max,please.”Shepushedatthesleekheatofhisshoulders.
Heliftedhishead,hishairhangingmessyandtouchableacrosshisforehead.“Sophie?”
“Iwanttosee.”
Shuddering,heletherrollhimontohisback.Hisjawwasabrutalline,themusclesinhisarmsrockhardashegrippedthebarsintheheadboard,buthesaidnothingassherosebesidehim,assheranherhanddownthemuscledplaneofhischestinsensualexploration.“Yourchestissmooth.”Darkgoldandfreeofhair.“Excepthere.”Athinlineofblackthatbeganjustbelowhisbellybuttonandarrowedinexorablydownward.
Maxhissedoutabreathasshefollowedthatpathwithherfinger.Lookingupathimthroughherlashes,shefeltsomethingalittlebitsinfulcometopurringlifedeepwithinhersoul.“I’maveryquicklearner,youknow.”
Hesaidawordthatturnedtheairblue.“I’mnotexactlyinthemoodtobeteased.”
“Areyousure?”Feelinganoddexhilarationinherblood,shewenttothebuttonofhisjeansandfounditalreadyundone.Shecouldseewhy.Hewasstrainingagainstthezipper.Tuggingatthemetaltab,shewenttopullitdownwhenMaxsaid,“I’lldothat,”andreachedforit.
Shecaughthishand,lacingherfingersthroughhis.“Don’tyoutrustme?”
Aheatedlook.“Youtouchmeandit’sover.”
“Sowe’llstartagain.”Pressingherlipstotheirclaspedhands,sheuntangledtheirfingers.Thoughhegaveherascorchinglook,hedidn’ttrytohaltheragainwhensheskimmedherhandsoverthelean-hippedbeautyofhim,begantotugatthezipper.Shewascareful,butnothesitant.AndthatwasMax’sgifttoher.Withnoothermancouldsheimaginebeingthisopen,thisvulnerable.
Max’sabdomenrelaxedafractionasshefinishedunzippinghim.Hewas—onlyjust—containedwithinhisbriefs.Curiositysweptoverherinawaveofunashamedlust.She’dseenmedicalimagesofmen,beentaughtaboutsexualorgansinherhealthlessons,butnoonehadevertoldherthateverythingwouldchangewhenitwasherman.Herfingersitchedtostrokehim,herheartthunderinginexcitement,mouthdrywithanticipation.
Lookingup,shesawthathe’dclosedhiseyes,thecordsofhisneckstrainedwhiteagainstthewarmtoneofhisskin.Andsheknewhewouldn’tstopher,nomatterwhatshedesired.Tremblingwithneedthatmadeherskintight,herbodyslick,shegaveintothelusciousmoltenheatuncurlinginherstomachandbegantokissherwaydownthatthinpathofhair.Thetextureofitwassurprisinglysilkyroughagainsthisheatedflesh,anditwasinstincttostrokeherhandoverhisskinasshetasted.
“Jesusbaby.”Strangledwordsasshelayhercheekonhisabdomenandreacheddowntocloseherfingersoverthestifflengthofhimthroughtheblackfabricofhisbriefs.Max’sentireformwentrigid…anditjustfeltexquisitelyrighttolickhertongueacrosstheveryedgeofhisbriefs,tosqueezeherhandfirmlyalongthemasculineheatinherhold.
“Sophie!”
MaxwalkedoutofthebathroomtofindSophiacurledupunderthesheets.Therewasalookofdistinctguiltonherface.Joywarmedhimupfromtheinsideout,buthekepthisexpressionstern.“That’stwiceyou’verushedme.”Hehadn’tlostcontrollikethat…well,ever.“Don’tthinkI’mnotgoingtopunishyouforit.”
Colortingedhercheeksasheslippedinunderthesheetsbesideher.Butnomatterthetemptation,hedidn’tpullherintohisarms,havingnoticedthatshewasreactingmuchmorequicklytoeventheslightesttouch.“It’lltakeawhileforyoutorecover.”
Astubbornlookthatfadedintoasigh.“You’reright.IthinkI’vepusheditasfarasmysenseswilltaketoday.”
“Iguessit’slikeapersonwho’sbeenstarving,”Maxmurmured.“Whenyoustarttoeatagain,youhavetodoitinsmallbitesatfirst.”
“CanIbiteyou?”Ateasingquestionthatdidn’tsurprisehimnowthathe’dmetthewickedsideofher.
“Ifyouasknice.”
Theylaytogetherforatime,talkingaboutnothing,andthenlaterastheysatsidebysideinthelivingroom,aboutthecomplexjigsawthatwastheNikitainvestigation.Buteventually,shehadtogotoherownapartment.“IwishIcouldspendallnightwithyou,”shesaidtohimashewalkedherover.“Butit’llbetoomuchtoday.”
“Nexttime,”hesaid,keepinghisdistanceassheunlockedthedoorandentered.“Sophia?”
Sheglancedback,sobeautifulwiththoseamazingeyesandthatsoftdarkhair
“Tellmeifanythinghappens.”Hishandtightenedonthedoorjambatthethoughtoflosinghertotheferocityofhergift,ofneveragainseeingherlyingrumpledandsmilinginhisbed,neveragainhearinghertalkinthatprimtonethatheldanundertoneofwildemotion.
“Iwill.”Asteadyanswer,butwhenshelookedup,hereyeswerebruised.“I’msoangry,Max,”shesaidinharshwhisper.“HowamIsupposedtofightmyownmind?”CHAPTER33
SophiaRussomayrequirefurtherpersuasionretheValentinecase.
—JayKhannatounnamedcontactviae-mail
Frustrated,chokedupwitharagethathadnowheretogo,Maxmadeacupofcoffeeandtriedtolosehimselfinwork.Sophiahadupdatedhimoneverythingshe’ddiscoveredduringthetimehe’dbeentiedupinthewrenchingaftermathofthediscoveryofGwynHayley’sbody,butnowhebegantoreadhernotesindepth.Shehadonehellofabrain,hethought.Theinformationwasnotonlyneatlybullet-pointedandoutlined,butcross-referencedinawaythattoldhimshehadaninnateunderstandingofhowhisownmindworked.
Neartheendofthefile,hecameacrosssomethingthatmadehimfrown.KnowingheneededSophiatoexplaintherelevanceoftheinformationinaPsycontext,hebegantogetup—whenhecaughttheblinkingtimecodeonthecommpanel.
Onea.m.
HisgazewenttothewallthatseparatedhisapartmentfromSophia’s,andhecouldn’thelpbutrememberthesoftnessofherskin,thewayherpulsehadrocketedunderhistouch,thedelicate,enticingscentofher.Hisbody,havingfinallystoppedridingthesteeledgeofneed,grewhard,heavyoncemore.Suckinginabreaththroughclenchedteeth,hethrewdownhispenandgotup,intendingtotakeacoldshowerwhensomethingstoppedhim.
Anoise.
Anglinghishead,helistenedagain.Asoftthump.Once.Justonce.Buthe’dheard.
Sophie.
Hegrabbedhisstunnerandwalkedquietlytothedoor.Activatingtheoutsidecameras,hecheckedthatthespaceimmediatelyoutsidehisdoorwasclearbeforeexiting—withavigilanceallcopslearnedontheirfirstdayonthejob.Thecorridorprovedempty,thelightingmutedtonightlevels.SteppingtoSophia’sapartment,hescannedhimselfinusinghispalmprint,hisaccesscourtesyofSophiaherself.
Worriedthatshe’dhadablackoutasaresultofthepreviousday’sevents,butforcinghimselftomovewithcautionincaseofanintruder,hemadehiswaythroughtheunlightedlivingareaandtoherbedroom.
Thebedheldonlyrumpledsheetsandanorganizerwithabright,glowingscreen.She’dbeenawake,too,hethought.Whateverhadhappened,ithadn’ttakenherunawares.
Furacrosshisfoot.Morpheus.
Followingthecat’snight-glowgaze,hefelthistoesnudgesomethingonthefloor.
Hefroze,bentdown.Thefeelofcottoncoveringwarmskin.No.Continuingtoholdhisstunnerattheready,evenashecheckedSophia’spulse,hesaid,“Lights,nightmode.”Thelightscameon,onadimsetting,makingthetransitionfromdarktolightmucheasier.Noonejumpedout,theshadowshidingnothingmalignant.Helookedoverthebathroomquicklyjustincase.Nothing.Whateverhadhappened,ithadhappenedinSophia’smind.
Returning,hebentdowntocheckherforinjuries,foundnocuts,noabrasions.Butwhenheliftedhereyelids,itwastoseehereyesswallowedbyblack.“Sophie,”hesaidagain,histonefirmthoughananguishedragetorethroughhim—drivenbyapartofhimthatdidn’tunderstandlogic,onlyapowerful,visceralneedforhervoice.
Noresponse.
Slidinghisarmsbeneathherbody,heliftedherupandtookhertothebed,pullingacomforteroverherbeforehishandwenttothepocketofhisjeans,wherehe’dlefthiscell.Pressinginafamiliarcode,hesaid,“IneedPsyhelp.”
ButthePsywhoturnedupabaretenminuteslaterwithatallamberblondmalewasn’tanyonehe’dexpected.Herecognizedherofcourse—thatdistinctiveredhair,thosecardinaleyes.FaithNightStarwassaidtobethestrongestF-PsyinoroutoftheNet,herabilitytoseethefutureagiftandacurseboth.ButMaxknewhe’dalwaysseeitasagiftafterthewayshe’dsavedtheirlives.“Thanksforcoming.”
AsFaithhurriedpastandunerringlytothebedroom,Maxpausedlongenoughtosay,“Yougotherequick.”
“Faith,”thechangelingmalesaid,“wokemeupanhouragoandtoldmewe’dbeneededinthecityaroundnow.”
Max,walkingbacktothebedroom,stoppedforaninstant.“IguessIneverthoughtabouttherealityofbeingmatedtoanF-Psy.”
Vaughnslappedhimontheback.“Askmesometimeabouthowfuckingdifficultitistosurpriseherwithagift.”Itwassaidwithaffection,histonethatofamanwhowasn’tonlydelightedinhismate,butdidn’tcareifthewholeworldknewaboutit.
Theyenteredthebedroomatthatmoment,andeverythingelsefaded.FaithwassittingbesideSophia’sstiffform,herhandonhisJ’sforehead.“Hertelepathicshieldsareterrifyinglythin,buttheyarecontinuingtoprotecther,”Faithsaid,beforepausingforalmosttenseconds.“HerPsyNetshieldsappearfine.Alittleunusualaccordingtomycontact,butnotdamaged.”
Maxdidn’taskaboutFaith’scontact,takingitasagiventhatthatcontactwouldsoonbedeadifitbecameknownheorshewassharinginformationoutsidetheNet.“Doweneedtogethertoahospital?”
Theforeseer’sendlesseyesmethis.“No.She’llwakeupsoon.”
Asimple,absoluteanswer,andyet…“Whataren’tyoutellingme?”
“There’llbetimeaftershewakes.”Faithlookedupathermateashecametostandbesideher,hisfingersplayingthroughherhair.“Coffee?”sheasked
Vaughn’ssmilewasindulgent.“Addict.”
“Yourfault.”Theforeseer’sexpressionwassomber,belyingherlightwords.“We’llneedtotalkonceshewakes.”
Smilefadingintoanexpressionofintensetenderness,Vaughnuntangledhisfingersfromhismate’shairandwenttoexittheroom.“Comeon,Max.Youcan’tdoanythinghere.”
“I’llstay.”NowayinhellwasheleavinghisSophiealone.
Faithseemedtostrugglewithsomethingassherosetoherfeet.Butintheend,shefollowedVaughnoutinsilence.
FaithwalkedstraighttowhereVaughnwasmeasuringoutcoffeegrounds.“Hey.”Puttinganarmaroundher,hehuggedhertothesolidstrengthofhisside.“Theanswer’sno.”
Sherubbedherfaceagainsthischestasheturnedtoembraceherfully,lovingthescentofhim.“HowdidyouknowwhatIwasgoingtoask?”
“Wehavebeenmatedoverayear.Givethecatalittlecredit.”Ateasingkissfromherjaguar,hishandcurvingaroundherthroatingentlepossession.
“Yousaidityourself,Faith.”Aquietreminder,thejaguarlookingoutofhiseyes.“Thefutureisn’tfixed.Itwasn’tforDorian.”
“Yes.”She’dseenthesentinel’sfutureblackedout,hadthoughtitmeantdeath,buthe’dsurvived.“It’sdifferentthistime,Vaughn.”
“How?”
“Isawbitsandpiecesofreality—thefactthatSophiawouldneedusforsomereasontonight,othereventsthatmayormaynothappen,butIfeltthisgatheringwave.Ican’tdescribeit,butIknowsomethinghugeisabouttohappen,andit’scenteredaroundSophiaRusso.”
“You’retalkingaboutmorethanthelifeofoneperson…twopeople,”headded,andsheknewhe’dseenthewayMaxlookedatSophia.Sohadshe.
Herforeseer’shearthurtforthem,forthefuturetheydidn’thave.“I’veneverfeltanythinglikethis,butfromtheresearchI’vebeendoing”—usingtherecordsherfatherhadmanagedtounearththensmuggleouttoher—“F-Psyinthepastnotedthesamekindsofsensationsbeforemajorcatastrophicevents.”
Vaughncuppedherface,anareolaofpuregoldaroundhisirises,thejaguarrisingtothesurface.“Areyoutalkingearthquake,plague,politicalturmoil?”
“Any,all,”shewhispered.“Butwhateveritis,SophiaRussoisthedominothatwillbeginanunstoppablecascade.”TheJwastheleadingedgeofaperfectstorm,onethatmightannihilatethemall.
“Max?”
“It’sasifhesimplydoesn’texistinSophia’sfuture,”Faithsaid,tuggingatthetiethatheldbackhermate’shair.Itfelloverherhandsinastrokeofroughsilk,afamiliaranchor.“ButIdon’tgetthatsamesenseofblanknessasIdidwithDorian.Instead,it’sthisfeelingthathe’sneverbeenapartofherlife.Whichisimpossible.”
Vaughnstilled.“NotiftheSophiayouseeisSophiaafterrehabilitation.”
Faithshookherheadinstunnedhorror,buthewasright.Fullrehabilitationwipedoutthepsyche,creatingaslatesoblankthatnothingofthemind,thesoul,remained.
MaxarguedwithhimselfaboutwhetherornottotouchSophia,knowingithadtohavebeentheirsexualplaythathadcausedthis,butdrivenbygutinstinct,hegotonthebedandcradledherinhislap.Andtheinstanthedid,itfeltright.Shewasasoft,warmweightonhim,herbreathingeasy,herheartbeatsteady.Somethingwildandpanickedinsidehimsettled.
Shehadn’tlefthim,thisJwho’dbecomethefulcrumofhisuniverse.
Aquietsound,soquiethehardlyheardit.Shiftinghishold,hepushedmidnightstrandsofhairoffherface,keepinghishandonhercheek.“Sophie?”
Ahitchedbreath,eyesflutteringopen.Theyremaineddrownedinblack,endlessandmysterious.“Wh—”Agasp,herhandflyinguptocloseoverhis.
Hissoulwentcold.Drivenbyprimalneed,hadhemadeafatalerror?Ifhehad,theshockwouldplungeherbackintounconsciousness…orworse.Butbeforehecouldbreakcontact,shegrippedhishand,tight,sotight.Andashewatched,theliquidblackbegantorecedefromhereyes,untilfinally,onlythevioletofheriris,thenormalblackofherpupilwasvisible.“Max?”
Hetriedtocatchhergaze,butitkeptshifting.“Focus,Sophie.Focus.”Herdisorientationworriedhim,couldwellbeasignalofsomekindofbraindamage.
Allatoncehereyeslockedtohis.“Name’snotSophie.”
“No?Whatisit?”
Themostminuteofpauses.“SophiaRusso.”Italmostsoundedlikerelief.“SophiaRusso,”sherepeated,“Gradient8.85J-Psy,employedbytheJusticeCorps,temporarilyattachedtotheofficeofCouncilorNikitaDuncan.”
“Good.”Reliefwashedthroughhimaswell.“AndwhoamI?”
“MaxShannon,Enforcementdetective,highestclearancerateinNewYork,naturalmentalshield,and…andhandsthattouchme.”Herownhandspasmedaroundhis,asifshe’donlyjustbecomeawareofhowhardshe’dbeenholdingon.
“Shh.”Takingthathandinhis,hepressedakisstoherpalm.“You’reokay.”Hisheartshudderedthoughhefoughttokeephisvoicecalm.
“Max,youcancallmeSophie,”shesaidinaquicknessofwords,asifafraidhe’dtakeherearlierstatementthewrongway.
“Iplantodoitforalongtime.”He’dlosteverythingelseandsurvived,buthecouldn’tloseher,nothisJ.Itwouldbreakhim.
Intertwiningherfingerswithhis,sheturnedherheadalittle.“Someoneelseishere.Icanhearsounds.”
“FaithNightStarandhermate,VaughnD’Angelo.”
“Faith,foreseer.”Shedroppedhergazetotheirhands.“Whathappened?”
FaithandVaughnwalkedbackinatthatmoment,withfourmugsofcoffeeinhand.“Wewerehopingyoucouldtellus,”Faithsaid,placingtwoofthemugsonthebedsidetable.
Sophialookedupbutdidn’tmoveoffMax’slap,whichtoldhimmoreaboutherconditionthananythingelse.BecausehisSophiehadaquietreserveaboutherinpublic,orwhentheywerearoundothers,onethathe’dcometorealizewaspartofhernature,notaproductofSilence.She’dneverbecomfortablewithopendisplaysofemotion—butthatwasfinewithMax,becausewithhim,sheloweredherguard,gavehimhertrust.
Breakingtheirhandclasp,hepickeduponeofthemugsandurgeditintoherhands.“Drink.”
Shetookanobedientsip,hereyesnotonFaith,butonVaughn.Maxfeltasharptugofirritation.HerecalledhearingthatVaughnwasn’taleopard,butthemalewasacatofsomekind.HehadthesamefelinegracethatMaxhadseeninLucas,inDorian.AndMaxhadbeenintheworldlongenoughtoknowthatwomenweredrawntothecatchangelings.
Sophia’seyesdidn’tmoveoffVaughnevenwhenthecatstretchedouthisarmonthesofabehindFaith’shead,curvinghishandaroundhismate’snapeinablatantdisplay—andstatement—ofhisloyalty.ItwasFaithwhobroketheoddsilence.“Ifyoudon’tstoplookingatmymatethatway,Imighthavetounsheathemyclaws.”Hersmiletookanystingoutofwhatwasclearlyatease.
ButSophiadidn’tlaugh.KeepinghereyesonVaughn,shespoketoFaith.“He’snotsafe,youknow.Hecouldsnapyourneckwithasinglemove.Youshouldshiftawayfromhim.”
Delightedatthereasonshe’dbeenstaring,Maxfoughtnottolaugh.ButthelookofaffrontonVaughn’sfacewaspriceless.BuryinghisownfaceinSophia’shairtomufflehislaugh,hetuggedheralittlecloser,justincasethechangelingwasannoyedenoughtosnarlather.ButFaithputahandonhermate’sthigh,andcardinaleyesgleamingwithlaughter,noddedatSophia.“Iwouldn’tthrowstones.Lookwhereyou’resitting.”
Sophiabelatedlyseemedtorealizeherposition.Colortingedhercheeks,butshedidn’tmove.That’smygirl.Runningahandoverherhair,Maxaskedherifsheknewthereasonshe’dfallenunconscious.
“Yes.”Shecuddledimpossiblyclosertohim.“Anattemptedhackintomybrain.”CHAPTER34
Maxsuckedinabreath,butitwasFaithwhonextspoke.“Thatshouldbeimpossible.IknowsomeF-designationmenandwomenwhoseeonlythepast,andtheyworkforJustice—theirshieldsareimpenetrable.IassumeJsarethesame.”
“Yes,weare,”Sophiasaid,givinghimthecoffeesohecouldplaceitonthenightstand.“Buttheattemptwasintenseenoughtocausenear-unbearablepressureonmybrain.”Herbodytrembledjustalittle,butMaxfeltit.
Placingheronthebedwithallthetendernesshehadinhim,heswunghislegsoverthesideandsaid,“Wecandiscussthismorelater.Rightnow,Sophianeedstogetsomerest.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”Faithstoodupatonce.Vaughnfollowedalittlemoreslowly.
Walkingthemtothedoor,MaxwasreadyfortheDarkRiversentinel’sfinalwords.“She’sstillhookedintotheNet,Max.Meansshecan’tbetrusted.”
Hefelthishandclenchonthedoor.“SowasFaithwhenyoumetherifI’mright.”
“Notthesamesituation,andyouknowit.”Thechangelingdidn’tsoundangry—ifanything,therewasagut-deepunderstandinginhistone.“Faithwaswatched,butinanisolatedsetting.SophiaisinthemiddleoftheJusticeCorps.Thereareallkindsofeyesonher.”
Andthoughthesentineldidn’tsayit,Maxknewtheimplications—Sophiamightalreadyhavesomethinginherhead,somethingthathadpenetratedhershieldswithoutherknowledge.
HavingchangedintoalooseT-shirttosleepin,SophiareturnedfromthebathroomtofindMaxwaitingbythebed.Helookedstrongandbeautiful…andremote,thestunnerheheldlooselybyhissideastarkreminderofwhohewas,whathedid.
“Staywithme.”Itcameoutwithoutthought,theheatofhisbodystillimprintedonherskin.“IthinkIcanhandlethesensationsnow.”Theinvitationtookallthecourageshehad.Shebitherliptoquietthepleathatwantedtoescape.Shedidn’twanthimtopityher—butoh,howsheneededhim.
NowordsbutheplacedthestunneronthebedsidetableandrippedoffhisT-shirt.Sheclenchedherhandsonthebottomofherown.Anglinghishead,hetuggeddownthecomforterandwaitedforhertogetin.Ashewenttofollow,hisjeansstillon,shehadathought.“Max,whatifI’mcompromisedinsomeway?Youshouldn’tleaveaweaponthataccessibletome.”
“Safety’son,releaseprogrammedtomyactivethumbprint,”hesaid,pullingthecomforteroverthem.“Andnooffense,Sophie,sweetheart,butyou’dmakeaverybadassassin.”
“Icouldblowoutyourmind,”sheremindedhim.
“Noteasily,”heanswered.“AccordingtowhatI’vepickedupovertheyears,anaturalshieldmeansI’dhaveenoughofawarningtogoformyweapon,orconsideringthefactthatyou’realittlebitofnothing—knockyououtcold.”Thewordsmadehimscowl.
“Good.”Relieved—inspiteofthefactthatshecouldseehehatedtheideaofhurtingher—shelethimslideanarmunderherhead,theothergoingaroundherwaist.Thatmuchsensation,thatmuchcontact,stillburnedahot,wildflameacrossherskin,butshewas,shethought,becomingusedtoit.WithMaxitwasn’tanintrusionbutachoiceonherpart.Turning,sheplacedherhandsflatonhischest.
Heat.Asuddenfever.Almostpain.
“Butnovoicesinmyhead,”shewhispered.“Nomemories,nothoughts,noyesterdaysbutmyown.”
Maxsqueezedhergently,andsheknewheunderstood.“Don’tpushit,”hesaid.“Smallbites,remember?”
Shedidn’tlisten,lostinthestormofsensation,theworldakaleidoscopearoundher.“Weneverfinished.”
Max’shandstoppeditssoothingstrokesoverherback.“You’renotexactlyinanyshape—”
Tiltingherhead,shekissedthelineofhisneck,takingthetasteofhimintoherlungs.“Sophie.”Thenhishandwasonhercheekandshewasbeingturnedontoherbackandhewaskissingthebreathoutofher.Thekaleidoscopespunandspununtilitexploded
Asthepiecesrainedaroundher,shefoundherselfgrippingMax’sshouldersinanattempttoholdon.Hismusclesshiftedbeneathherpalms,liquidandpowerful.Insteadoftryingtocontroltheamountofsensoryinput,shegavein,drowninginthewildheatofhim,thedeliciouspressureofhislips,thewayhisthumbpresseddownonherjawtoopenhermouthtohim.
MaxfelttheinstantSophialetgo.Herentirebodymeltedforhim,everyinchofheropenininvitation.
Itwasthemostlusciousoftemptations.
Buthewasn’tabouttotakeadvantageofherwhenshe’dbeendisorientedandlostonlyminutesago.Breakingthekiss,helookedintoeyesthathadgonepureblackagain—buthecoulddistinguishadifference,thoughhe’dhavebeenhard-pressedtodescribeit.Hejustknewthistime,itwasn’tamarkerofdanger.“DoallPsyeyesdothat?”Anintimatemurmuragainstherlips,hislegstangledwithhers,hishandinherhair.
Herfingersstrokedoverhisshoulderswithquick,hungrymovements,andhewasmaleenoughtoadoreherforbeingsoverydelightedwithhim.“It’smoreapparentatthehigherendofthespectrum…butIthinkImaybeevenmoresusceptibletoit,giventhenatureofmymind.”Calmwords,buthereyes,herbody,toldadifferentstory.
Hecouldalmostfeelthevibratingtensioninher,everytendonheldtaut.“Iknowwhoyouare,”hesaid,holdinghergaze.“I’mnotgoingtobescaredawaybecauseofyour‘imperfections.’”
Asheenofwetinhereyes,turningthemidnightiridescent.
“Wefit,youandI,”hewhisperedlookingintothathauntinggaze.“Twobrokenpiecesmakingawhole.”Itwasn’tthemostromanticofstatements,butitwastornfromhissoul.“Iamnotlosingyou.”
Shetuggedhimdown,kissinghimuntilhisbodyhummedforher,untilherbreathcameinchoppygasps.Hebrokethekiss.“Isthismuchcontactcausingyoupain?”
Apause.“No.”
Swearing,herolledofftositontheedgeofthebed,lookingbackatheroverhisshoulder.“Whythehelldidyou—”
“Iwasn’tlying,Max.”Curlingontoherside,shewatchedhimwithanintenseinterestthattoldhimhewastheabsoluteandutterfocusofherworld.Somemenwould’vebeenscaredaway.Maxknewhewatchedherthesameway.
Herchestroseasshetookalong,shudderingbreath.“Idon’tknowhowtodescribethesesensations.Theclosestwordispain,butIknowthat’snotright.Idon’tcravepain.AndyetIcravewhathappenswhenyoutouchme.”
Maxtwistedsohecouldfaceher,onehandbracedpalmdownbesideherleg.“Itsoundslikeyournervesareraw—overloaded.”
“Maybe.”Clearwords,asteelwill.“ButIdon’twanttoslowdown.”
Hehadawillasstrong.“Nomoretouching.Iwillnothurtyou.”
Hershouldersslumped.
Sensinghisadvantage,hepushed.“Whydidsomeonetrytohackyourmindtonight?”
“ProbablybecausetheywantedtocontaminatetheevidenceI’mduetogiveinahigh-profilemurdercase,”shesaid,hereyesnotmeetinghis.
Shame,hethought,that’swhathereadinherexpression.“Sophie?”
“I’lltellyou…justgivemealittlemoretime?”Sovulnerable,heremotionsstrippedbare.“Please,Max?”
Heblewoutabreath.“I’mstartingtothinkyou’reusingtheworld‘please’togetaroundme.”
Astartledflickeroflightinhereyes.“No,I’mnot…butcouldI?”
Hefelthischestshakewithunbidden,unexpectedlaughter.“DoyouthinkI’mgoingtoanswerthat?”
“ThatmeansIcan.”Shesoundedastonishedanddelightedinequalmeasures.“Ipromisetousemypowersforgood.”
Reachingoverheslappedherlightlyonthebottomthroughthecomforter.“Youhavethemakingsofabratinyou.”
Aslow,so-slowsmile,hisSophiebeginningtowakefromadecades-longsleep.“IneedtotellyousomethingabouttheNikitainvestigationthatIforgottomentionearlier.”
Hekepthishandonherhip,enjoyingthewarmcurvesofherevenifhecouldn’ttouchskin.“Imeanttoaskyousomething,too.AboutRyan—”
“That’swhoIwantedtodiscuss,”sheinterrupted,“specifically,thereasonforhisreconditioningsixmonthsago.”
Maxfrowned.“Thefile’ssealed.”He’dalreadytriedtoaccessittonight.
“IcalledinafavorfromanotherJ.”Pushingupintoasittingposition,sheshiveredwhenheslidhishandovertoherthigh.“Ryankilledsomeone,butitwasanaccident.Histelekineticpowerswentoutofcontrol.”
Strokingherthroughthecomforteroncemore,Maxgotuptowalktothewindowandback.“Howmuchwouldthereconditioninghavemessedwithhishead?”
“Nowaytoknow—theprocessisintense,butitleavesthemindintact.That’sthewholepurpose—toeliminatefracturessotheindividualcanfunction.”Herwordsheldtheknowledgeofexperience.“Itwouldmakesensethathe’dbesympathetictoPurePsyifhisownabilitiesarespiralingoutofcontrol.”
“But”—Maxfoldedhisarms,leaningbackonthewallbesidethewindow—“wecomebacktothefactthathewasn’tworkingforNikitaatthetimeoftheelevatorsabotage.OnemoleIcanaccept.Two?No.NotinNikita’sorganization.”
“He’sstillthebestleadwe’vegot.”
Maxstraightened.“Andhewon’tbegoinganywheretonight.I’llcall,makesuresecurityhashimintheirsights.Wecantalktohimtomorrow.”
Sheknewhewasgoingtoleave.Slidingdownunderthecomforter,sheturnedherbacktohim.She’dacceptedhiswill,butthatdidn’tmeanshehadtolikeit.
“Sophie.”
Shethumpedherpillowintoshape.
Alowblueword,thenthebeddipped.“Ican’tstaytonight,baby.”Hishandonherhip,ablazeofheateventhroughthecomforter.
He’dpromisedtofightforher.Well,shewasgoingtofightforhim,too.“Wedon’thavetobeskintoskin.”Sheturnedtofacehim,keepingherhandstoherself.“Youcansleepontopofthecomforter.”Thenshegaveasmallsmile.“Please?”
“You’vedefinitelygotthemakingsofabrat.”ButMaxstayed,sleepingbesidehisJforthehourstilldawn.Thedreamcamejustbeforehewoke,adreaminwhichRiverranlaughingbehindhimastheychasedastraydogthey’dmadeintoapet.
Heopenedhiseyestofindhisthroatthickwithtears,hisheartaswellingacheinhischest.Andheknewhe’ddreamedthejoybecauseofthewomanwhowokeamomentlater.“Thankyou,”hesaid.
Sleepyeyes,darkcurlsfallingacrossonecheek.“Forwhat?”
“Formakingmeremember.”He’dburiedhispastbecauseithurttoofuckingmuch.Butindoingso,he’dburiedRiver.“Ithink,”hesaid,“youwould’veadoredRiver.Hecould’vetaughtyoueverytrickinthebookonhowtobeatruebrat.”Then,astheyrose,dressed,andate,hetoldheraboutthebrotherwho’dleftamile-widescaronhisheart.
SophiahaltedMaxwhenhewould’vegottenoutofthecarattheDuncanbuilding.“Iwanttotellyouaboutthereasonforthehack.”Shecouldn’thideanymore,notaftertherawhonestyofthememorieshe’dshared,ofthefamilyhe’dshared.Herheartwassofullitwashardtobreathe,hardtospeak.
“Whateveritis,”Maxsaid,hishandalongthebackofherseat,“youknowitdoesn’tmatter.Notbetweenus.”
“Icanaltermemories.”Shemadenoefforttodressitup.
“Iknow.”
Shejerkedupherhead.“What?”
“I’macop,Sophie.”Awryreminder.“Ihadn’tbeeninthejobtwoyearsbeforeIrealizedwhatJscoulddo.”
“Thenwhydon’tyouhateus?”
“Ialwaysfiguredyouhadnochoiceinthematter.And,Ididmyjob.Igottheevidence.NoteverymajorcaseiswonorlostontheevidenceofaJ.”
Sheshould’veendeditthen,butnowthatshe’dbegun,shecouldn’tstop.Shewouldnotstealhisaffection,hisloyalty,throughfraud.Itwouldviolatethetrustbetweenthem,tainteverythingtheyhad.Sothoughtheterrorofrejectionwasachillhandaroundherthroat,shesmoothedherflawlesslystraightskirtdownherlegsandsaid,“DoyourememberDr.Henley?”Thefamousgeneticisthadkilledhispregnantwifeincoldblood,thenslicedherupintoneatlittlepiecesanddumpedthosepiecesintheseawhenhe’dgoneoutforaSundayfishingtrip.Therewasevenspeculationthathe’dusedsomepiecesasbait.
“NotacaseIcouldeverforget.”
“TheCouncilplannedtotransferhimtoaPsyfacilitywherehecouldcontinuehisgroundbreakingwork.”Thecallousmurderofaninnocentwomanandherunbornchildhadbeenconsideredamereinconvenience.“AlltheJsknew.”
“Pitythen,”Maxsaidinahardvoice,“thathehadasudden,violentembolismthatstoppedhisheartonhisfirstdayinprison,diedbeforethemedicscouldgettohim.”
Sophiasuckedinabreath.She’dguessedheunderstoodwhatJswerecapableof,hadwantedtodrivehomethepointsothattherewouldbeabsolutehonestybetweenthem,butfromthewayhespoke…“Haveyoualwaysknown?”
“CopscallittheJ-penalty.”Agrimlook.“Youweren’tinthevicinity.I’veseenyourrecord.Youweren’tanywherenearHenley’sprisonwhenhedied.”
“No.”Then,“Notme.Notthattime.”
Heslidbackhisdoor.“Comeon.”
Shegotouttowalkbesidehim,herheartatight,hopefulknot.“Iknowyou’veacceptedme”—andthatremainedadeepsourceofwonder—“butIstillthoughtyou’dbemore…”
“Hard-assed?”Asnort.“I’veseenrichmenskateoffrapecharges,politiciansburyabuseclaims,younggirlscommitsuicideafterbeinghurt.Idon’tagreewithvigilantejustice,butJsaren’texactlyvigilantesarethey?Theyknowtheexactnatureofaparticularcrime,andtheytendtogiveoutpunishmentsperfectlycalibratedtothatcrime—andonlyincaseswherejusticewouldotherwisebedefiled.”
“Wearen’tjudgeandjury.”She’dnevertalkedopenlyaboutthis.EvenamongJs,itwasn’teveractuallydiscussed.Buttheyallknewtheparameters,understoodwhattheCorpswouldoverlookasthecostofhavingJsinthesystem.“We’rethelastresortwhenthetoolsofjusticefailthevictims.”
“What,”Maxsaid,comingtoastopinfrontoftheelevators,hisbodyangledtohideherfromthesurveillancecameras,“istheimpactonaJwhoactsasthatlastresort…asanexecutionerifnecessary.”
“‘Everyactionhasanoppositeandequalreaction,’”shesaid,quotingthewell-knownlawofphysics.“Thatmaximholdstrueonthepsychicplane.”
WhitelinesbracketedMax’smouth.“SoaJwouldbedamagedbytheevent?”
“Notexactlydamaged.Iwouldsay…changed.”
Along,stillpause.“Youcan’tdoitanymore,”hefinallysaidvery,veryquietly.“Doyouunderstandme,Sophia?”
Herlipsquiveredforthebarestfractionofamoment.“Max,areyoutryingtofixme?”Itwasimpossible,andshecouldn’tbearforhimtorealizethattoolate,walkaway.
“No.I’mtryingtosaveyou.”Animplacable,absoluteanswer.“It’saboutchoices.Ineedyoutomakeonetofightthoseinstincts—everytimeyougivein,iteatsawayalittlebitofyourpsyche.”
Theothernessinher—twinedwiththosedarkthreadsthattastedoftheNet—stirred,considered,boweditshead.“Icandothat.”ForMax,onlyforMax.Hewasacop.He’dacceptedherpastwithopeneyesandanopenheart,butwhatshedidfromnowon,evenifonlyafewindividualsrealizedthedepthoftheconnectionbetweenthem,wouldreflectonhim,stainhiscareer—andshewastooproudofhimtochancethat.“It’sasmallpricetopaytobewithyou.”
“Noprice,Sophie,noultimatums.”Anunqualifiedreassurancethatmadeherwanttopullhimforwardbythelapelsofhissuitjacketandkisshimagainandagain.“Youbelongtome—andI’mkeepingyounomatterwhat.”
“Thatmeansyoubelongtome,too.”Itcamefromthedarkheartofher,theplacewherenolighthadevershone…untilthismanlookedatherwitheyesthatsaidshewasn’tapieceoftrashtobediscardedbecauseshe’dprovedimperfect.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,shehadstartedtofeelwhole,thescars,thefractures,simplyapartofher.
Maxshrugged,thatleandimpleflashinginhischeek.“I’mnotarguing.”
“So,”shesaid,everythinginher—eventheoncescared,lonelygirlwho’donlyeverspokenthroughthehandofcoldjusticebefore—determinedtostakeitsclaimloudandclear,“ifIfindabusinesscardfromafemaleinyourjacket,shehadbetterbeacolleague.”
Maxfeltalaughbuildinhischest,hadtofighttheurgetotugSophiaintohisarmsandbitedownonthatfulllowerlipinagestureofopenpossession.“NoonewilldarehitonmeafterImentionmywifeisaJwithajealousstreak.”
Wife.Hercomposuresplintered.“Max,nomatterwhat,wecouldnever—”
“Itoldyou,Sophie.You’remine.Endofstory.”CHAPTER35
Incertaintypesofcases,mostcopsimmediatelysuspectthefather.Nobodythinksofthemother,notatfirst.Exceptme.AndIwishIdidn’t.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannon
RyanAsquithenteredtheconferenceroomlookingasunruffledasever,butthat,ofcourse,wasderigueurforthePsy.Maxdidn’tsayanythingforseverallongsecondsaftertheinternarrived.Takinghercuefromhim,neitherdidSophia.Finally,Ryanglancedathiswatch.“AmIearly,Detective?”
“Youdidn’ttellusyou’dundergonereconditioning,”Maxsaid,insteadofansweringhisquestion.
Theyoungmaledidn’tsomuchasblink.“Everythingisinmyfile.”
“Andyoudidn’tthinktomentionthefactthatyou’dkilledusingTkwhenwe’reinvestigatingamurderthatmayhavehadaTkcomponent?”
Ryan’seyesskatedawayfromMax’s.“Iassumedyoualreadyknew.ThepersonneldepartmentdidafullscreenonmewhenIappliedforthisposition.”
“Interestingthingis,”Maxmurmured,“seemsthedepartmentjustdoesabasicscreenforshort-terminterns.”
Sophiaputherorganizeronthetable.“Thedetectivedoesn’tunderstand,Ryan,”shesaidinaquiet,calmtone.
“Oh?”Maxraisedaneyebrow.
“Thoseofuswhogothroughareconditioning,”Sophiaanswered,“aren’tconsideredcriminalsforanyactscommittedduringtheperiodoffracture,becausethereisnointent.”
Ryannodded,holdingSophia’sgaze.“Exactly.IknewifItoldyouoftheincident,youwouldfocusonme,leavingthetruemurderertogofree.”
“Butyoucansee,”Sophiasaid,“howthisplacesyouinthecenteroftheinvestigation.”
Ryanglanceddown,thenup,sayingnothing.
SophiatappedMax’sfootatalmostthesameinstant.Gettingthehint,herosetohisfeet.“I’mgoingtogrababottleofwaterfromoutsidewhileRyangetshisthoughtsinorder.Sophia?”
“Thankyou,somewaterwouldbegreat.”
Watchingthedoorclosebehindhercop,Sophiaturnedherattentiontotheboyinfrontofher.Andhewasjustthat,onlyaboy.Aboy,who,somewheredeepinside,wasterrifiedofhisownabilities.“TellmewhatyouwerehesitatingtosayinfrontofDetectiveShannon.”
“Willyoukeepitconfidential?”
Rightthen,SophiasawsomethinginRyan’seyesthatshe’dneverexpected.“Aslongasitdoesn’taffectCouncilorDuncan’ssafety,itwon’tgobeyondthesewalls.”
“AtthetimeofEdwardChan’smurder,I’dlockedmyselfinoneofthemeetingroomsthatalmostnooneusesbecauseIneededtomeditate.”
“DoyoucontinuetohavetroublewithyourSilence?”
“Yes.”
ItwasaconfessionthatcouldhavethisboysentbacktotheCenter,whichmadeSophiamoreinclinedtobelievehim.“Whydidyoutellme?”
Darkgrayeyeslockedwithherown.“You’reaJ.Ithoughtifanyonewouldunderstandthepressure,youwould.”
Sophiawonderedifshewasbeingplayedveryskillfully.“Whichmeetingroom?”
Ryangaveherthedetailswithouthesitation.“AndI’mnotstrongenoughtoteleport,”hesaid,confirmingwhatthey’dalreadydetermined.“That’sneverbeeninmyskillset.”
“Thankyou.”
Ryanopenedhismouth,paused,thensaid,“Nobodyreallypaysattentiontoanintern.”
“Whathaveyouheard?”
“TherearerumorsinthecitythatNikitaisasflawedasherdaughter.”Ryan’stonedropped.“Ithought,atfirst,thatitwasjustuninformedtalk,butthewhispersaregatheringinmomentum—andthatkindofthingdoesn’thappenwithoutsomething,someone,feedingthefire.”
“Doyouhaveanyideaofwhoitcouldbe?”
“NotMarsha,”Ryanresponded.“Shehasnogeneticoffspring.IbelieveshehasgivenallherloyaltytotheCouncilor.Ican’tnarrowitanyfurther.”
ThedooropenedthenandMaxwalkedin.Sophiasaid,“Keepyourearsandeyesopen,Ryan.Letmeknowifyouhearanything.”
“Iwill.”Rising,heglancedatMax,hisexpressionopaque,hisdressfaultless—theperfectPsy…onthesurface.“Doyouhaveanyfurtherquestionsforme,Detective?”
HeleftassoonasMaxshookhishead.“Ibelievehim,”SophiasaidafterfillingMaxin.“IthinkheappliedtoworkforNikitabecauseofSascha.”
Maxtippedbackhischair.“Explain.”
“It’sobvioushisreconditioningdidn’tworkaswellaseveryonebelieves.”Reachingoutalmostautomatically,shepushedhischairbackonallfourfeet.“Ithinkhe’shopingthatsinceNikitahasadaughterwhofeelsemotion,she’llgoeasieronhimifthetruthcomesout.”
“Nikita’sgotaheartoffuckingstoneandI’mbeingcrueltothestonethere.”
SophiahadheardwhispersofhowNikitahadascendedtotheCouncil—hersheercold-bloodednaturecouldn’tbedoubted.“Yes.”
“Iheara‘but.’”
“Sheallowedherdaughtertogrowtoadulthood,whenitwould’vebeenfareasierforSaschatohavehadafatal‘accident’inchildhood,”Sophiasaid,knowingheunderstoodwhatshedidn’tsay,theparallelsshe’ddrawn.“Andintheend,therealitymatterslessthantheperception.Ryanwantstofindsomething,someonewho’llbeonhisside.”
“Igetwhyhe’dlatchontoher,”Maxsaid,“butifNikita’sthebesthecando,thekid’sinserioustrouble.”Hetappedthetwoprintoutshe’djustputonthetable.“WetakeRyanandMarshaout—I’mwiththekidonherloyalty,plusSaschaconfirmedtheyweretogetherwhenChandied—andwe’releftwithAndreTulaneandQuentinGareth.”Tinylinesfannedoutfromthecornersofhiseyes.“I’vegotacoupleofthingsIwanttocheckwherethosetwoareconcerned.”
“IncludingTulane’smysteriousweeklyappointments?”
Maxnodded.“He’sbeenverycarefulnottoraiseanyredflags.Couldbeacaseofhidinginplainsight.”Itwould,Maxthought,requireballsofsteeltopullthatoffinNikita’sterritory.
“Ifyoudon’tneedme,”Sophiasaid,herlipslushanddistracting,“IwanttogobacktotheapartmentandlookthroughthePsyNet.Ihaveafewideas.”
Hefrowned.“Idon’tknowmuchaboutthePsyNet,butwhatIdoknowtellsmeit’llputahugeamountofpressureonyoutobesurroundedbysomuchdata,somanyminds.”
“MyPsyNetshieldsappeartobeadaptingtomyincreasing…need,”shesaid,andheheardthethreadofconfusioninhertone,“sothatshouldn’tbeanissue.”
“Idon’tlikeit.”Hisprotectiveinstinctsburnedahotwhiteflame.“You’llbealoneifsomethinghappens.”
Thatgaveherpause.“Thereisarisk,but—”
“Faith,”Maxinterrupted,recallingthealmostprotectivewaytheF-PsyhadlookedatSophia.“Callher.Askifshe’llspotyouwhileyougodivingthroughtheNet.”
“She’sacardinalF-Psy,”Sophiasaid.“Hertimeisworthhundredsofthousands,ifnotmillions,ofdollars.Whyshouldsheagreetowasteitonme?”
Maxsawthatshetrulydidn’tunderstand.“BecauseDarkRiver’scometoconsidermeafriend.”Andthecatsunderstood—eveniftheydidn’texactlyapprove—thatSophiawashis.Plus—“YougotthemessagetoNikitawhenSaschawasthreatened.Changelingsdon’tforgetthingslikethat.”Hesawherabsorbthat,giveasmallnod.
“I’llcallher—butdoesn’tthefactthatFaithsavedourlivescanceloutanyobligationontheirpart?”
“It’snotobligation.It’saboutbuildingbonds.”Placinghishandonthebackofherchair,hemethergaze,theluxuriantsoftnessofherhairbrushinghisskin.“Promisemeyou’llbecareful.Idon’twantyoubleedingoutbecauseyou’vebeentakingrisks.”
Herexpressionneverchanged,buthecouldseesteamcomingoutherears.“Iamnotstupid,DetectiveShannon.Kindlygetthatthoughtintoyourhead.”
Hewantedtokissher.
KalebwalkedintoNikita’sofficetofindherjustendingaconversationwithatallmaleofmixedethnicitywhodidn’tmovelikeachangelingbutahuman.Kalebknewwhothemalewas,ofcourse.He’dknownallaboutMaxShannonalmosttheinstantafterNikitarequestedhim.TheEnforcementdetectivewasn’tonlygoodathisjob,hewasastenaciousandstubbornasabloodhound.
“CouncilorKrychek,”thedetectivesaidwithasmallnodashewalkedoutoftheroom,closingthedoorbehindhimself.
“WhatdoyouneedwithanEnforcementagent?”heaskedNikitaashetookaseatinthechairacrossfromher.“WehaveArrowsforareason.”
“TheArrowsareMing’s,”shesaid.“Ineededanimpartialparty.”
Kalebthoughtofthecontinuedattemptstohackhisshields,thesenseofbeingverycloselyobserved—andthefailedtriestotrackhimthroughthePsyNetwhenhedidn’twanttobetracked.Hecouldhaveendedthegamedaysago,turningthetablesonhistrackers—though,giventheirskill,itwould’vetakenaconcentratedamountoftimeandeffort—buthewasintriguedenoughtoletitcontinue.BecausetherewasonegroupandonegroupaloneintheNetwiththecovertskillstoevadethetrapshe’dlaidtodate—andifthatgrouphaddecidedtoshiftitsallegiance…
“You’rehemorrhagingpeople,”hesaidtoNikita,keepinghisotherthoughtstohimself.
“Thefactthatyou’venoticedputsyouatthetopofthesuspectlist.”
“Onthecontrary.WebothknowthatIdowhatneedstobedonemyself.Idon’tneedtorelyonotherswhomightmakemistakes.”
Nikitasettledbackinherchairathisplainspeaking.“HaveyounoticedsomethinginHenry’spatternofbehavior?”
Kalebhadn’t,andbeingoutoftheloopwasnotsomethingheappreciated.“Tellme.”
“I’drathershowyou.”Turningherchairtowardthethincommscreenmountedononewall,shedarkenedherwindowsandbroughtupamapoftheworld.“ThereddotsindicatetheplaceswhereHenryhasbeeninthepastsixmonths.Thebluedotsindicateincidentsthattookplaceatthesametime.”
Therewereclustersofbluearoundeverysinglereddot.
“Incidentshavebeenincreasing,”Kalebsaid.“It’snotimpossiblethathecouldhavecoincidentallybeenatthesamelocations—butI’massumingtheincidentsweremajorenoughtohavecaughtyournotice.”
“Notthefirstfiveorso,no,”Nikitasaid.“Asyousay,therehavebeenlittleoutburstsofviolencehereandthere,soIpaidthemnonotice.Buttheseincidentsdon’tinvolveviolence—exceptoftheself-inflictedkind.”
“Suicides?”Thatprickedhisinterest.Suicidewasn’tconsideredtabooinPsyculture.Themajorityofthosewhorecognizedtheirmentalpatternsasaberrantchosetoendtheirexistenceratherthanfacerehabilitation.Butthechancesofthesuicides—tenormoreineachlocation—liningupsoneatlywithHenry’stravelswasexceptionallylow.
“I’mcertainhe’susedthetacticbefore,”Nikitasaid.
Kalebagreed.There’dbeenastringofviolentincidentsseveralmonthsago,withPsybreakingconditioninginpublic.AllofthosePsyappearedtohavebeenprogrammedtosuicideaftercompletingtheirtask,orifcaught.“Hisrecentbehaviordoes,however,suggestthathe’sseentheerrorofthatlineofthinking.”GiventhewaythePsyNetfunctioned,violenceonlyspawnedmoreviolence.Aconstantfeedbackloop.
Nikitaputdowntheremotebutdidn’terasetheimage.“Severaloftheindividualswhosuicidedwereontherehabilitationwatchlist.Theotherscould’vebeenfragmenting.”
“SoHenrycouldseeitasremovingviolencefromtheNet.”Kalebconsideredtheidea.“Canyousendmethefulldataonthesuicides?”Thefilewastelepathedintohismindaninstantlater.
Nikitacheckedmessagesonherorganizerashewentthroughthelist.
“Heeliminatedanerraticbuthighlyintelligentchemist,”Kalebsaid,“twomedicalspecialists,andatleastonetrainedsharpshooter.Andthat’satfirstglance.”
“Itcontinueslikethat,”Nikitatoldhim.“HemightseeitaserasingtheweakfromtheNet,buthe’salsoshovingthebalancetowardmediocrity.”
Kaleblookedather.“OrperhapsHenryhasn’tyetgivenupontheideaofafullycoherentNet.”Beforeherdefection,CouncilscientistAshayaAleinehadbeenclosetodevelopinganeuralimplantthatwould’veinstitutedSilenceatthebiologicallevel,creatingatruehivemind.She’ddestroyedallthepertinentdatawhenshe’ddefected,butthatknowledgecould’vebeenrecreated.“Hemaybepruningthosehethinkswillproveachallengetothatgoal.”
“Inthatcase,Isuggestyoubecareful.”
Kalebturnedawayfromthescreenassheflickeditoff.Herwindowsclearedamomentlater.“Iappreciatetheinformation—we’llhavetoconsiderhowtoproceedwiththis.ButIwantedtospeaktoyouaboutanothermatter.”
Nikitawaitedinpristinesilence.
“I’vediscoveredsomeratherinterestingfactsaboutE-Psy.”FactsthatcouldturnNikita’s“failure”intoanasset.
Nikitaputasideherorganizer.“Really?”CHAPTER36
Youmakemefeelstrong,makemefeelasifIcanfightfateitself.Ifyou’rereadingthisletter,Ifailed.ButbeproudofmeMax—Itriedsohard.
—SophiaRussoinanencryptedandtime-codedlettertobesenttoMaxShannonafterherdeath
Sophiawasn’tusedtohavinganyonebutMaxinherlivingspace.FaithNightStarwasn’tanywherenearasphysicallyimposingasMax,butshehadapresence.Thentherewasthelong-limbedfemalewho’daccompaniedher.“Sophia,”Faithsaid.“ThisisDesiree.”
RecognizingDesireeforwhatshewas—abodyguard—Sophiatoldhergueststomakethemselvescomfortableinthelivingareabeforeshewalkedintothebedroomandtookacross-leggedpositioninthemiddleofthebed.SurfingtheNetdidn’trequiremuchpreparationformostpeople,butthemorecenteredshewas,thelesschanceofanaccidentalbreach.BecauseevenintheNet,therewereindividualswithweakoruselessshields.Theirthoughtsleakedoutinaconstantbarrage.
ASensitivecouldeasilygetcaughtinthepsychicstorm.
ButSophiahadnointentionofbeingthrownupagainsttherocks.
Narrowingherthoughtstoafine,finepoint,shetookacarefulstepintothedarkskiesofthePsyNetanddroppedherhighlyeffectiveautomaticfirewalls,wrappingherselfinmuchmoremundaneonesinstead—soshecouldgowheresheneededtogowithoutbeingnoticed.Therewasanelementofrisktoherchoice.Ifanyofherfragmentation…herfeelings,leakedout,she’dbehunteddowninminutes.Andoncetheyfoundher,rehabilitationwouldfollowsofast,she’dhavenochanceofescape.“SoI’llbeverycareful,”shemuttered,andwenttomergeintotheslipstreamoftheNet.
Excepthershieldsresettothedistinctivenewformationwithoutwarning.Andnomatterhowmanytimesshetried,theywouldn’tremainordinary,unremarkable.“Ineedyoutobehave,”shefinallymutteredaloudinfrustration.“ImightaswellbewearingatargetonmybackifIgooutlikethis.”
HershieldsturnedtheexactvelvetblackoftheNet,makinghereffectivelyinvisible.
Sophiaswallowedonthephysicalplane.“Oh…that’llwork.”
Noresponse,butshehadtheimpressionthatsomethingwaswatching,listening.Itshould’vedisconcertedher,anditdidtoanextent.Butwhateverthatsomethingwas,itwasalsoprotectingher.Andshewasn’tabouttorejectit…notwhentheothernessinher,thebrokengirlwho’dfinallybecomeanintegratedpartofheraftertwolongdecades,recognizedthepaininthatentity,asifitexpectedtobekickedaside,tobeshovedintoacorner,tobeforgotten.Iaccept,Sophiathoughtdeepinhermind.Thankyou.
Noresponse,buthershieldsseemtostrengthenevenfurtherassheslippedintotheNet—sleek,dark,impenetrable.Thepsychicnetworkaroundherwasthebiggestdataarchiveintheworld,itsinformationhighwaysupdatedeverysecondofeverydaybyuploadsfromthemillionsofmindsjackedintoitspsychicfabric,butasaJinpossessionofoftenconfidentialinformation,Sophiawastrainedtobefarmorecarefulaboutwhatsheshared.Themajorityofthetime,theonlythingssheuploadedweretheofficial,court-approvedresultsofhercases.
Butitwasn’tjustpurposefullyuploadeddatathatfilledtheNet.Therewerefragmentsofthought,images,thingsthathadescapedasaresultofinadequateorfragmentedshielding,conversationsthathadtakenplaceintheNetoutsideofamentalvault.Thingsdiddecayafteraperiodoftime—butthatperiodcouldneverbepredicted.She’doncecaughtwhispersthathadmentionedeventsofahundred-yearspast.Othercommentsdecayedalmostassoonastheywerespoken.
Youcouldspendaneternitysurfingtheslipstream.However,asayoungintern,Sophiahadbeentaughttosearchusinghighlyrefinedfilters—she’dworkedforaprosecutoronesummer,ajudgeanother,trackingdownspecificpiecesofdata.Now,sheusedthosesameskillstosearchforanymentionofPurePsy.
Asignificantnumberofhits.
Rumorsmostly,asPurePsydidn’tofficiallyexist.AndyetalmosteveryoneintheNetknewaboutthem.Itwasaveryeffectivetechnique,Sophiawasforcedtoadmit.ThoseinagreementwithPurePsy’sworldviewmadetheefforttofindthem.Ontheflipside,thosewhodidn’tsharethatviewtendedtodismissthegroupasnothingbutasmallfringeelement.
Asshedrilleddownlayerbylayer,sortingthroughmassiveamountsofdata,shebegantoglimpsethefullextentofthegroup’sinsidiousgrowth.PurePsywaswhisperedofinFrench,Malayalam,Russian,Maori,Tongan,Greek,Swahili,Urdu,andanumberofotherlanguagesshecouldn’timmediatelyidentify.Savingasmuchofthedataasshecouldforfuturetranslation,shefocusedonthepiecesshecouldunderstand.
…goodoftherace.PurePsyhavetheright…OutsideCouncilcontrol……backing.DefinitelyCouncilbacked.Idon’tseethevalidityinclosingtheNet.They’vebeenbehindtheJaxcleanups…
ThatlastwhispercaughtSophia’sinterest.JaxwasthescourgeofthePsy,adrugthatmanysaidbrokeconditioningonthemostbasiclevel,allowingtheusertofeelemotion.Trueornot,itwasacancernoonehadbeenabletoexcisefromthepopulation.But,Sophiathought,shehadnoticedadecreaseinthenumberofaddictsonthestreetsoflate—andshehadn’tseenanyatallsincecomingtoSanFrancisco.
Ofcourse,thatcouldbeasaresultoftheheavychangelingpresenceinthecity.JaxuserstendedtosticktomorePsy-friendlylocations.
Myfamilyisstilldiscussingthematter….goodofthePsy.It’llbringusbackinto…Thechangelingsandhumansareirrelevant.It’sonlythePsyNetthatmatters.
Thatlastsummedupthetenorofthemoreclandestinediscussions,andofPurePsy.Thegroupwasintentonanisolationistpolicy.ItbelievedthePsyNethadbeencorruptedbyoutsideinfluencesandwasbentonbringingallPsybackintothefold.
Whethertheywantedtocomeornot.
HavingmanagedtogethishandsonthenavfilefromAndreTulane’spersonalvehicle—thankstosomediscreethelpfromtheDuncanCorporation’sheadmechanic—MaxwasonhiswaytowheretheslenderblackmaledisappearedeverysecondTuesday,whenhisstomachgrowled.Droppingintoanearbydeli,heplacedhisorderthenmadeacalltoSophia’s.
“She’sfine,”Faithanswered,hervoiceconsciouslyquiet.“Catchinganapaftertheexertion,butotherwiseokay.”
TheimageofSophiecradledupinbedmadehisbodyfillwithawarmththathadnothingtowithsexandeverythingtodowithaharsh,protectivetenderness.“Callmeifthatchanges.”
Aslightpause.“Max,she’saJ.Youunderstandwhatthatmeans,don’tyou?”
Itwasthecareinhertonethatstoppedhimfromsnappingather.Faith,hethought,probablycomprehendedmoreaboutthepressuresthatfacedaJthanalmostanyoneelseoutsidetheCorps.“Iknow.Doesn’tmeanIhavetoacceptit.”
“YousoundjustlikeVaughn.”
Sincethechangelinghadmanagedtosavehismate,Maxfiguredthatwasagoodthing.
Hangingupafteraquickgood-bye,hegrabbedhischickenandavocadosubandtookaseatatoneofthetables.HewasintheprocessofdemolishingitwhenClayslidintotheseatontheotherside,hisownsubinhand.“Igotsomethingforyou,”thesentinelsaid,takingalongdrawoftheenergydrinkhe’dorderedalongwiththesub.
“Yeah?”
“RumoronthestreetisthatPsyaremeetinginlittlegroupsallovertheplace,”thesentinelsaid.“Butthey’rebeingcovertaboutit.”
“AvoidingNikita’seyes?”
“Possible.Don’tforget,AnthonyKyriakusisalsointhegeneralarea.”
“That’sright—he’soutbyTahoe.”AndthoughFaith’sfatherkeptalowerprofilethanNikita,hecontrolledavastnetworkofforeseers—animmeasurableadvantageoverhisenemies.“Sowhat,youwerejustpassingby,sawme?”
“Heardyouwerearound,neededtotalktoyouandeatlunch.”Ashrug.
“Funnyhowyouhearthings.”
“Yeah,funny.”Thesentinel’sexpressiondidn’tchange,butMaxhadthedistinctimpressiontheleopardwaslaughing.
Maxgavethechangelingmalealookthatpromisedretaliation.“Youhaveanyspecificaddressesforthesecovertmeetings?”
“Afew—theytendtomovearound.”Pullingoutafoldedpieceofpaperfromhisjeans,Claypasseditover.“We’vebeenkeepinganeyeonthesituation,butsinceit’saccountantsandteachers,weputitlowdownontheprioritylist.”
Glancingatthelist,MaxnotedthatnoneofthelocationscorrelatedwithTulane’sunexplainedtrips.“Thanks.”Finishingoffhislunch,hetuckedtheslipofpapersafelyinhisjacket.“I’llletyouknowifanythingcomesofit.”
Clayputhisemptydrinkbottleonthetable.“How’syourJ?”Histonesaidfarmorethanthewords.
“Shecan’tleavetheNet.”Sayingitoutloudseemedtomakeitinescapablymorereal.“Ever.”
“Ah,shit.I’msorryMax—wewould’vehelpedyouifshe’dwantedtodefect.”
Maxhadn’tbeenpartofanykindofafamilysinceRiverdisappeared,butheunderstoodwhatthiswas,understoodthevalueofClay’soffer.“Hertelepathicshieldsareclosetototalcollapse,”hefoundhimselfsaying,thewordstornoutofhim.“She’s8.85ontheGradient,sowhentheyfail…”Noplaceintheinhabitedworldwouldbesafeforher.HisSophia’samazingvioleteyeswouldgoblackunderanavalancheofnoise—andthentherewouldbeonlysilenceinhislife.
Endless.
Relentless.
Forever.
Twentyminuteslater,MaxparkedhiscarablockawayfromwhereAndreTulanedisappearedatregularintervals,andstrolleddownthecheerfullypaintedsuburbanstreet.Thehousesworeshadesofbubblegumblue,candypink,andmeringueyellow,almostallwithwhitetrim.Human.Veryhuman.ThesolereasonaPsymightwinduplivingamongstsuchbrightnesswouldbeiftherewassomecityordinancethatstipulatedthecolorsinordertoretainthearea’shistoricalcharacter.
Psyunderstoodthevalueofarchitecturaltourism.
Seeinganoldladytendingherwinter-quietgardenacoupleofhousesover,hewanderedacross.“Aprettyfacedoesn’tdoitforme,”shesaidwithoutpausinginhertask.“Neverhas—notsinceBobbyJonesbrokemyheartinjuniorhigh.”
Maxdidn’tmuchfeellikesmiling—timewasslippingbysofuckingfast—buthemadehislipscurve.“Idon’tsupposeyouknowwholivesinnumbernine?”
“She’sneverdoneanythingtohurtanyone”—asuspiciousglance—“soyouleaveheralone.”
Maxfrowned.“Human?”
Hersnortwasinelegant,herwordsacerbic.“YouthinkaPsywouldliveonthisstreet?”
Maxmadeadecision.Ifitwasthewrongone,itcouldtipofftheirquarry—butMaxhadjustrememberedsomethingelsehe’dreadinTulane’srecenthistoryandrealizedtheanswertothismysterymightbebothlogical…andutterlyinexplicable.“Thanksforyourhelp.”Turningaway,hewalkedtothedoorofnumbernineandknocked.
Thepetitewomanwhoopenedthedoorhadarmscoveredbycomputronicblackcarapacesandscarsonherfacethatstillboreahardpinkshine—vividagainstthenaturallymochacolorofherskin.“Yes?”
GuttightwiththeknowledgethathewasrightaboutTulane’smotivationforvisitingthishouse,MaxshowedherhiselectronicID.“Ms.AmberleighBouvier?”Itwasn’taguess,notgivenherphysicalcondition.
“Yes.What’sthisabout?”
“Couldwetalkinside?”Hecouldfeelthegardenerglaringathim.
Ahesitationbeforeshenoddedandledhimdownthecorridorandintothekitchen.
“IsthisaboutAndre?”sheasked,takingaseatatthetablesetbythewindow.Whenheraisedasurprisedeyebrow,shecontinued,“Ifiguredsomeonewouldcomesoonerorlater,butIthoughtit’dbeanotherPsy.”
Maxleanedoneshoulderagainstthedoorjamb.“IneedtoknowthereasonforAndreTulane’svisits.”
“Penance,”Amberleighsaidinstarkresponse.“Hiscarblewafuseandhelostcontrolofitonarainynightsixmonthsago.Unfortunately,Ihappenedtobeonthecurbwhenhedroveoverit.”Amberleighshookherhead,hercroppedhairblue-blackinthesunlight.“Idon’tunderstanditmyself,soIcan’texpectyouto.Everyone—evenI—agreeditwasanaccident,buthesaidhewasresponsible,sohepaidallmymedicalbills,madesureIgotthebesttreatment.”
“Yourarms?”
“They’llbebacktofullstrengthinanothercoupleofmonths.”Shetouchedherface.“Andthesescarsaregoingtobeallbutgoneaftertheyhealenoughtobeginlasertreatments.”
Thosetreatments,Maxthought,hadn’tbeenaroundwhenSophiahadbeenachild.Hemight’veaskedwhyshehadn’ttakenadvantageofthemasanadult,butheknewtheanswer—itwasaquiet,powerfulrebellion.Sophiawantedtorememberthepast,rememberthethreechildrenwho’dbeenlost.HewasfuckingproudofherforfindingawaytospeakeveninSilence.“WhydoesAndrestillcometoseeyou?”
“Todoanyworkaroundthehouseoryardthatneedstobedone.”Amberleighsoundedbewildered,hereyeshugeinthatsmallface.“Hedoesn’tspeakmorethanthreewordstome,butbythetimehe’sdone,thelawnismowed,anythingbrokenisfixed,andmycar’srunningsmoothasIrishwhiskey.”
Maxdidn’tneedtohearanymore.Whateverthedemonsthatdrovethequietblackman,AndreTulanewasdeeplyentangledwithahuman—indirectviolationofPurePsy’saimofabsoluteracialPurity.
InthePurePsyworld,Maxthoughtashesteppedoutintothecrispafternoonair,ahumancopwouldnevermeet,neverlove…andneverloseaviolet-eyedJ.CHAPTER37
There’salwaysapricewhenyoubegintoaskquestions.Sometimes,theanswersaren’twhatyouhopetofind.Andsometimes,therearenoanswers.
—FromtheprivatecasenotesofDetectiveMaxShannononthefilelabeled“River”
Clay,havingdrivenstraightfromlunchtotakeupawatchpositionaroundhisalphapair’shome,lookedatSaschaastheywalkedoutsideherandLucas’scabin.Hewasn’tasclosetoherassomeoftheothersentinels,buthedeeplyrespectedthewomanhisalphahadchosen.Shewasstrong,andshemadetheirpackstrong.
“Ididn’tsayanythingtoMax,”hesaid,continuingaconversationthey’dhadonthephoneonhiswayover,“didn’twanttogethishopesup.ButcanNoorhelpSophia?”Hisadopteddaughter—theownerofagreatbigchunkofhisheart—wasparthuman,partPsy.She’dalsoformedasoul-deepfriendshipwithanothergiftedchild,Keenan.Andthatamalgamationoffactorshadcreatedsomethingamazing.
Saschaputahandonhisarmtosteadyherselfastheysteppedoverafallenlog,easywithclaimingtheskinprivilegesthatwereapackmate’sright—butthatshe’dneverpresumedonuntilClayhadtoldheritwasokay.“IaskedFaithtoseeifherfathercouldgetusSophia’smedicalscansafteryoucalled.”
AnthonyKyriakus,Claythought,wasanenigma,aPsyCouncilorwithanapparentheart.“Hecamethrough.”
Aquicknod,atendrilofrichblackhairescapingherbraidtocurloverhercheek.“Tammy,Ashaya,andIallhadalookatthem.”Herexpressionwasbleakwhensheglancedup.“Accordingtothosescans,herorganicbrainisfine.”
Ah,damn.“That’swhatthekidsfix,isn’tit?”
“Asfarasweknow—yes.Butthefactis,we’relearningaswegowithNoorandKeenan.”Shecaughtaleafthathadfloateddownthroughthegold-huedforestlight,worryingitbetweenherfingers.“Jshavealsobeenamysterysincethedawnoftheirexistence.Mybestguessisthatthedamageispsychicandcumulative.WhenImether…Isensedthisincrediblewillcontainingavastpain.”Hervoicewastaut,herbonesstrainedagainstherskin.“Hershieldsaren’tbroken—they’vebeenwornawaybyathousandslowdripsofacid.”
Clayshovedahandthroughhishair.“Isthereanythingthatcanbedone?”Hewantedtohelpthecopwho’dbeenafriendtohismatewhenshe’dbeenalone,who’dshedbloodinthehunttofindamonsterexperimentingonvulnerablechildrenlikeNoor.
Saschalookedsodistressed,heknewtheanswerbeforeshespoke,thisempathwithherhugeheart.“IwasgoingtotrytoseeifIcoulddosomethingonthepsychiclevel,butaccordingtoanoteinherfile,she’saminoranchor.”Asingletearstreakeddownherface,hersorrowsoheavyhecouldfeelitinhisbones.“She’smainliningtheNet—andthatNetisslowlygoinginsane.”
ClayreleasedfistedhandstoreachoutandcloseoneoverSascha’sshoulder.“Didsheeverhaveachance?”
Sascha’sfingersgrippedhisinpainfulsympathy.“No.”
MaxreturnedtohisapartmenttodiscoverthatMorpheushaddefectedforgood.Thewell-fedcatwaspurringhappilyonSophia’scoffeetablewhenshelethimin.“Imissedyoutoday,”shesaidwithasmile,buthesawtheshadowsunderhereyes,thenewlinesofstrainonherface.
Hearttightwiththeforceofwhathefeltforher,hewaitedonlyuntilthedoorwasclosedbeforecuppinghercheek,beforetakinghermouthinakissthatheldasmuchsavageryastenderness.Sherespondedwithamoanlowinherthroat.“Max,wait.”
Hebitherlowerlip,furiouswithherforwhatshewouldsoondo,thebetrayalshewouldsooncommit.
Hereyesshimmered.“Max.”
Itwasn’tthetearsthatstoppedhim.Itwasthewayshesaidthat,thewayshelookedathim.Notafraidofhim,butforhim.“Whatisit?”Hegrippedherhips,unabletolethergo.
Shedroppedherforeheadagainsthischestforamoment.“Willyouhateme,Max?”
“Everymomentofeveryday.”
“Good.”
Angerwhiplashedinsidehim,atthiswomanwhoneededhimtorememberher.Didn’tsheknowhe’dneverforget?“What,”hesaid,hisvoiceroughwithragewithheld,“didyouwanttotellme?”
Alongbreathandsheraisedherhead.“WhileIwasintheNet,Ididsomesearchesoutsidetheparametersofthecase.”Thoseunusualeyesshiftedaway,thenback.“Ifoundsomeinformationforyou.”
Hewasn’tusedtothiskindofevasionfromher.“Ifyoudon’tknowthatI’llstandbyyou—”
Herfingersonhismouth.“Iknow.”Glitteringeyes,atonethatleftnoroomfordoubt.“Idon’twantthisknowledgetohurtyou…andIknowitholdsthecapacityforenormouspain.”
Hetookherhand,kissedherknuckles.“I’mtough.I’llsurvive.”That’swhathedid—survive.Butthisscar,Sophie’sscar,wasnevergoingtoheal.
Sheplacedherhandonhischeekingentleaffection,andheknewsheunderstoodwhathehadn’tsaid,thehurthehadn’tvocalized.“Rivermayhavebeenaliveasoftwoyearsago.”
Hisheartstopped.Whenitkickedoutagain,hefoundhimselfshakinghishead,hishandsclenchingonher—he’dsearchedforRivereversincehebecameacop,througheveryknowndatabaseandcomeupblank.“WhywouldtherebeanythingabouthimonthePsyNet?”
“Hispathcrossedwiththatofahumanresearcherdoingastudyonadultswho’dbeendrugaddictsaschildren.”Gentlewords,aworriedgaze.“Thatresearcher’spaperwasfootnoted—andlinkedto—byaPsyscientist’spaperonJaxaddiction.”
“Where—”hebegan,butSophiawasalreadypullingawaytopickupasheetofpaperfrombesideMorpheus’spurringbody.Takingtheprintout,hewentstraighttothepartshe’dhighlighted.
Thereitwas.River’snameinblackandwhite.Thecitationnotedthatthesubjecthadbeenfreeofaddictionsincehisfourteenthbirthday,whenhe’dvoluntarilyenteredaprogramrunbyacharitableorganization.
“Max.”Sophia’sfingersclosingoverhiswrist.
Itwasonlythenthatherealizedhishandwastrembling.“Theyjustusedfirstnames—thiscouldbesomeoneelsealtogether.”
“It’sanunusualnameandcoupledwithhisageatthetimethepaperwaswritten,andtheaddiction…”
Hismindwasn’tworkingtoowell.Helookedup,toseeherholdingasmallpieceofnotepaper.“What’sthat?”
“Thephonenumberoftheresearcherwhowrotetheoriginalarticle.He’scurrentlylecturingattheUniversityoftheSouthPacificandisstationedinVanuatu.”Therewasanear-painfulhopeinhereyes.“Youshouldbeabletogethiminhisofficealittlelateron,checkifit’syourbrother.”
Reachingforward,hetuggedherintohisarms,crushingthefemininesoftnessofhertohim,buryinghisfaceinherhair.“Youdon’tknowwhatthismeans.”
Herfingersdugintohisback,heremotionsasclearasifshe’dspoken.
“Youdo,don’tyou?”hewhisperedagainstherear,thescentofherabalmacrosshisravagedsoul.“Youknowexactlywhatthismeans.”
“Family,Max.You’llhavefamily.”Fierce,hopefulwords.“Youwon’tbealone.”AfterI’mgone.
Maxclenchedhishandinherhair,drawingbacksohecouldlookdownintoherface,sohecouldspeakwithhislipsagainsthers.“We,”hesaid.“We’llhavefamily.”
Hereyesfilledwithlight,withuntrammeledhappiness.“Max.”Shepressedakisstohisjawjustashiscellphonebeganbeeping.
ItwasBart.“Bonner’sescaped.”
“Howisthatevenpossible?”SophiastaredatMaxwhenheshutoffthephoneandtoldherwhathadhappened.Theprisonwasunderground,allaccesspointssecurelyguarded.Eventheemergencyexitsweresetwithpressure-sensitivealarmsthatwouldactivateuponperceivinganythingbiggerthanafieldmouse.
Max’sangerwasacold,hardthing.“Hehadan‘accident,’hadtobetakentothemedicalbay.Fromthesoundofit,he’dbeenworkingonthedoctorformonths.Hemust’veconvincedherhewasinnocent.”
“Evenso”—Sophiacouldn’timaginetheslyevilthatwasBonnerbackoutonthestreets—“thedoctorcouldn’thavehadthenecessaryclearancetogethimout.”
“Butshehadaccesstotranquilizers—shetookoutthewarden,thenransackedhisofficefortheoverridekeys.”Maxclenchedhisjawsotight,hecouldhearhisbonesgrindagainsteachother.“Manhunt’sinprogressandthey’refairlycertainhe’sdrivingthedoctor’scar.”
Sophiasatdownonthearmofthesofa,herfingersdiggingintothefabric.“Andthedoctor?”
“Ifshe’slucky,”Maxsaidflatly,“she’salreadydead.Ifshe’snot…”HeknewSophiaunderstoodbetterthananyonewhatBonnerwascapableof,thepainthatwouldbethedoctor’srewardforbeingfoolishenoughtobelieveinasociopath.
Aquietnod.“Doyouneedtojointhemanhuntteam?”
“Icanliaisewiththemfromhere.”BonnerwasnotgoingtofuckingstealMax’stimewithSophia.And—“Theyhavethenumbersontheground.”Theteamwashugeandgrowingbiggerbythehour.“WhattheyneedmetodoispredictwhereBonnermightgo,updatethesearchgridaswegetsightings.”ThefirstthingthathadcomeintoMax’smindhadbeenBonner’stwistedinterestinSophia.“Sophie,there’sachancehe’llheadtoyou.”
Sophiaswallowed,nodded.“I’llbewithyouthemajorityofthetime,andwhenI’mnot,I’llbeinsecurebuildings.I’lltakeoneofthesecurityofficerswithmeifIneedtogooutonmyown.”
Helovedherfornotmakinghimfighttoprotecther.“Rightnow,he’sontheground,sothere’snotmuchdanger.”Butifhemanagedtogetonaflight…“I’llalertEnforcementhere,letDarkRiverknowsotheirnetworkcankeepaneyeout.”
“WhyisEnforcementhavingsuchtroubletrackinghim?Wasn’tbeembedded?”Sophiaasked,referringtothetransmitterallviolentoffendershadplacedundertheirskinforthedurationoftheirsentence.
“Hemanagedtodisableitsoonafterhisescape—mostlikelypossibilityisthatthedoctordugitoutforhim.”
Sophiatookadeep,tremblingbreath.“Willshe—thedoctor…satisfyhimforaperiod?”
Max’sstomachturned.“He’sbeenbehindbarslongenoughtohavebuiltuphisneeds.”Refinedhisperversions.
“WhatcanIdotoassist?”
Hedidn’twantheranywherenearBonner’sevil—she’dwalkedintothevoidenoughfortenlifetimes.“TakeanotherlookatQuentinGareth—Ihavethisgutfeelingthere’ssomethingwe’vemissed.EspeciallywithTulaneoutoftherunning.”Hetoldherwhathe’ddiscoveredatAmberleighBouvier’shouse.
“Interesting—thedynamicsofNikita’sworkforce.”Areflectivestatement.“I’lllookatGareth’sfilenow.”
Asshedidso,hehunkereddowntocross-referencethelocationoftheD2penitentiarywithBonner’sknownbolt-holes,sendingthelisttothemanhuntteamassoonasitwasinanykindofshape.“He’ssmart,”Maxtoldtheteamoverthecommlinethathe’dsecured,afterdiscussingthepossibilitythatBonnermighttrytogettoSophia,sothattheycouldputalertsontherelevantroutes.“Idon’tthinkhe’llgoanywherenearhisoldhidey-holes.”Buttheteamwouldstillhavetocheckeachandeveryone,justincase.“I’vealsosentyousomepropertiesIknowwerehis,butthatIcouldn’teverlegallylinktohim—thosewereneverinthepolicefiles,sohedidn’thavearighttoseethemduringthetrial.”
“Fuckit,Max—whycan’thejustdieanddousallafavor?”Theleadontheteam,amanwhowaslegendaryforneverlosinghiscool,brokeforasecondbeforetakingacalmingbreath.“We’resurethedoctor’salreadydead—dogsledustoapatchofforestnotfarfromD2.Lotofblood.
“SomeofitwasBonner’s—theycutoutthetransmitterthere.Fromthehigh-velocityspray,hethankedthedoctorforherhelpbyslittingherthroat.He’sneverbeenthisimpatientbefore—wedidn’tevenhaveachancetosaveher.”
Maxshookhishead.“Thedoctorwasanecessity.”Atool.“Shewastoooldtosatisfyhiminanyotherway—inhismind,shewasprobablyhappytodieonceshe’doutlivedherpurpose.”
Theothercopshookhisheadinangrydisbelief.“Whatdoyouneedfromus?”
“Anyconfirmedorcrediblesightings—sendthedetailstomeassoonasyougetthem.Evenageneraldirectionwillhelpmenarrowdownpossiblesites.Withtheamountofmoneyhehasatthisdisposal”—andMaxknewtherewereBonnerfamilymemberswhostillbelievedintheinnocenceoftheirblue-eyedboy—“hecouldgoanywhere.”
“We’vegottheairportscovered.”
“Good.Hemighttrytoflydomestic”—especiallyifhisfixationonSophiawasstrongerthanhisdrivetofindotherprey—“butIdon’tthinkhe’llleavethecountry.Heenjoysbeingastarheretoomuch.”Endingthecallafterafewmorequickwords,hewenttositbesideSophiaonthecouch.“Nowwewait.”
Sophiacouldn’tstandtoseetheweightonMax’sshoulders,thestrainaroundhismouth.“Don’thurt,Max.”Shecuppedhischeek,heremotionsstrippedbare.“Bonnerdoesn’tdeservetohaveyoubeatingyourselfupforhisevil.”
“Sweetheart.”Max’skisswassotender,tearsburnedatthebacksofhereyes.Itfeltdifferent—morethansexual,morethanintimate.Iffeltasifhewashandingheragiftshedidn’tunderstand.Holdingontohim,shegaveherselftothekiss,gaveherselftoMax.Whenhislipswanderedoverhercheekanddownherjaw,sheshiveredandwoveherfingersthroughthethicksilkofhishair.
Nikitacouldwait,shethought.Thewholeworldcouldwait.Tonight,thismoment,shewasstealingforherandthestrong,loyal,beautifulmanwho’dseeneverybrokenpartofher—andyetlookedatherasifshewasperfect.“Max.Don’tstop.Nottoday.”
Liftinghisheadfromhers,herosetohisfeetinasmoothmovethatspokeofaverymasculinestrength.Whenheheldoutahand,itfeltimpossiblyrighttoplaceherownagainsthispalmandallowhimtoleadhertothebedroom,towatchhimputhisfingerstothebuttonsofhershirt,slidethemoutoftheslotsonebyone.
Hisknucklesbrushedthesideofonebreast,makinghershiver.
“Cold?”Anintimatemurmuragainstherneckashedroppedtheshirttothefloorandmovedtocurvehisbodyaroundhersfrombehind,ahard,sleeklymuscledmalewithanarousalhemadenoefforttohide.
She’dneverfeltmorealive,moresensuousinherfemininity.“No.”
“Good.”Hishandsshifteduptocloseoverherbreaststhroughthepracticalcottonofherbra.“IfIboughtyounaughtylingerie”—shapingher,possessingher—“wouldyouwearit?”
Joyrippledthroughthesensuality,apiquantspice.Hewasasdeterminedasher,shethought,tomakethistimetheirs,somethingnoonewouldeverbeabletostealfromthemnomatterwhatthefutureheld.“Hownaughty?”
“Very.”Hepinchedhernippleslightly—aquick,sharpbite—rolledthembetweenhisfingers.“Thepiecesmightevenmakeyoublush.”
Heatwasalreadyrisingoverherbody,butitwasalanguorous,seductivething.“Thatsoundslikeadare.”Reachingbackwithonearm,shetangledherfingersinhishair,holdinghimtoher.“AndIaccept.”
Asmileshecouldfeelagainstherskinashishandsslidoffherachingflesh.Droppingherownarmtotheside,shelethimundotheclaspofherbra,thenreacheduptopullitdownandoffherbody.“Whyisit”—sheshiveredashekissedthetopofherspine,wentlower—“thatIalwaysendupnakedwhileyouremaindressed?”
Ahuskymasculinechuckle,hislipsmovingoverhershoulder,hishandsonherhips.“BecauseI’masmartman.”Playinghisfingersacrossherabdomen,heundidthetopbuttonofherjeans.“Taketheseoffforme.”
Thatslow,slumberousheatflamed,burned,butshetookastepforward,loweredthezipperandthen—takingadeepbreath—pusheddownboththejeansandherpanties.Leaningforwardtopullthemoffherfeet,shecouldbarelyhearanythingthroughthethunderofherheartbeat.Maxdidn’tsayaworduntilshestraightenedbacktoherfullheight.Butthenhespoke…andshemelted.CHAPTER38
“Beautiful.”Aroughsound,impatienthandsthatturnedhertomeethiskiss.
Andoh,hiskiss.
Itheldthesamewildtenderness,thesameprotectivenessthathadtornthroughhereveryshieldfromtheveryfirst.Butitalsoheldsomethingelse—araw,darkpleasure,ahotlysexualaggression.Shuddering,shepulledathisshirt.Buttonswentflyingeverywhichwayashecooperatedwithherfrustratedneedtotouchhim,buthisattentionwasonhermouth,hishungerinexorable.
Hishandsbackonherbodyassoonashisshirtfelltothefloor,hesqueezedandpetteduntilshebrokethekiss,unabletotakeanymore.Buthewouldn’tlethergo.Kissesonherjaw,onherneckashewalkedherbackward,theheatofhischestanexquisitecaress.Shewasmorethanreadytofallontothebedwhenithitthebacksofherknees.Notwaitingforhimtonudgeher,shecrawledonandturnedovertobraceherselfonherelbows.
Hewaswatchingherwithaglitteringkindoffocus,onethatmadeherskintightenuntilitalmosthurt.Sheswallowedashisfingerswenttohisjeans,asheundidthesnapsandpeeledthedenimdownhislegs,alongwithhisbriefs.Hereyeswererivetedtothethicklengthofhiserection…tothehandheclaspedaroundit.Hestrokedonce,andherbodyarched.Shecouldn’texplainit,didn’tunderstandit,butthesightofhimstrokinghisownfleshwasthemosteroticthingshe’deverseen.“Max.”Ashudderingplea.
Comingoverherasshelaybackinunspokeninvitation,heloweredhimselfjustenoughthattheirthighsbrushed,thehardnessofhiserectionpushingatherabdomeninblatantmasculinedemand.Suckinginabreath,sheslidherhandsupthebeautyofhischestandoverthosemagnificentshoulders.“Yes.”Itwasananswertoaquestionhehadn’tasked.
Butheunderstood.Relaxinghismuscles,heallowedhisbodytotouchherallover.Thefull-bodycontactwasaneroticlightningstrike,anelectricalstorm.Moaningatthepleasure-painofit,shetangledherfingersinhishairandtookhismouthinakissofherown.Heshudderedagainsther,hishandclenchingonherhip.Whenhemovedthathandtopushatherthigh,shespreadherlegsinsilentinvitation.
Hetouchedherslickness,anditmadehertremble.Buthedidn’tstrokeherwithlazypatienceashehadoncebefore.Thistime,histouchwasdeliciously,demandinglyrough,asheusedhisknowledgeofherbodytomakehertwistbeneathhim.“That’sit,”hemurmured,hisshouldermusclesbunchingagainstherpalmsasheplayedwithher.“Screamforme,Sophie.”
Shemanagedtotightenherthighs,trappinghishandinbetween.“I,”shegaspedout,“amnotascreamer.”
Awicked,unexpectedsmile,thatleandimpleflashinginhischeek.“Wellnow,aman’sgottotakethatasachallenge.”
Sheadoredhim.Tuggingdownhishead,shepressedalineofkissesalongthedimple,evenashebegantoteaseherwithsmallmovementsofhisfingeragainstherclitoris.Herbreathcaught.“Max,you’rerushingme.”
Thesensualcomplaintmadehimchuckle.“Fair’sfair.”Buthewithdrewhishand,leaningdowntokissherslowandlazythoughhisbodythrummedwithtensionaboveher.Hishairwasacoolstrokeacrossherskinashemovedlower,nuzzlingatherbreastsbeforetakingatightlittlenippleintohismouth.
Itwasanagonyofsensation,anditwasmagnificent.“Oh!”
Grazingherwithhisteeth,hereleasedthenipple.“That,”hesaid,circlingthewetnubwithhistongue,“wasclosetoascream.”
“Gasp,”shebreathedout.“Itwasagasp.Nowpleasedothatagain.”
“What?”Anotherwickedsmile.
“Max.”
Chuckling,hedippedhisheadtoteaseherneglectednipple,curvinghishandpossessivelyovertheroundnessofherotherbreast.
Shivering,shefoundshe’dspreadherthighsagain,thatshewascradlinghiminthemostintimateofways.Thedepthofpleasurewasaknife,sharpandedgy—sheshiftedrestlessly,herhandsrunningupanddownhisback.Mine,shethoughtwithaprimalpossessiveness,he’smine.Herhandstouchedhisbuttockswhenheraisedhisheadtokissheronthelips,andshefoundshereally,reallylikedstrokingherhandsoverthesleeklymuscledstrengthofhim.
Agroanagainsther.“Stopthat.”Henippedatherlowerlipwhenshedidn’tcomply.“OrI’llplaythesamegamewithyou…infrontofthemirror.”
Herhandswentmotionless.
Maxbracedhimselfonhisforearms,intriguedenoughtofightthepulsingneedofhiscock,thedrivetosinkintoSophie’ssilkenheat.“So,Ms.SophiaRussohaskinkyfantasiesaboutmirrors.Interesting.”
Heatcoloredhercheeks,butshetiltedupherhead.“Tellmeoneofyourfantasies.”
Helovedthatshetrustedhimenoughtonotbackdown.Fightingfirewithfire,hemadeaslow,deliberatemove…untilhiserectionnudgedatherclitoris.Lordhavemercy.Itfeltsogood,hewantedtoslipafewincheslower,takeeverything.ButthiswasSophia’sfirsttime,andhedamnwellintendedtodrownherinpleasure—itwasamatterofdeterminedmalepride…andofhowmuchhefeltforthiswoman.
Whoseeyesdrownedinblackasshesaid,“Don’tthinkyou’lldistractme.”
Smiling,hekissedher,nuzzlingatherthroatashespoke,“Youknowthosesuitsyouwear?Theprimoneswithskirtstothekneeandjacketsthatbuttonbelowyourbreasts?”
“Mmm.”Shemadeoneofthoselittlemovementsthatdrovehiminsane,rubbingherselfagainsthiscock.“Mysuitsareboring.”
Ittookhimseveralsecondstofindhisvoice.“Aucontraire.”Huskywords,hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.“Thosesuitsgiveamanideas.Like,forexample,catchingyoualoneinadesertedoffice”—hegrippedherearlobeinaquick,teasingbite—“bendingyouoverabigwoodendesk,pushingupthatsedateskirttofindyouwetforme.”Theimagedrovehimonestepclosertoinsanity.
ThenSophiesaid,“Wouldyoutouchme?”inasultryvoicethatwrappedaroundhiscockandsqueezed.
Shuddering,heloweredhishead,suckedhardatherneck,leavingalittleredmark.“No,thisisaNeanderthalfantasy”—oneofhisfavorites—“Ijustripoffyourpantiesandthrustintoyou.”
“That—”Sheswallowed,wetherlips.“Ihave…um,nothingagainstthatfantasy.”
Nowthatdeservedahot,open-mouthed,infernoofakiss.“Ihaveanotherversion,”hetoldherafterward.
Fingersclenchingonhisbiceps,herbreastsrisingupanddowninjaggedbreaths.
“Thistime,Igetyoutostandinfrontofme,andIpushupyourskirtinchbyinch,whilestrokingmythumbsalongtheinsidesofyourthighs.”Risingtokneelaboveher,hemirroredactionstowords,partingherthighstoaffordhimthemostdeliciousofviews.“Iknowyou’renotwearinganythingunderneath—thoughsometimes,Iletyouwearsilkstockingsandasuspenderbelt—”
Herbreaststurnedahotblushpinkasheatrolledoverherbody.“Max”
Hemovedhishandsoverherinasweepingcaress.“Shh,thisisgettinggood.”Sheshiveredunderhistouch.“AndsoIshovetheskirttoyourwaist,bareyouallpinkanddampforme”—slidinghishandsunderherbottom—“tugyouclose”—positioninghimselflowerdownherbody—“andeatyouuplikecandy.”
Andthenhetookher.Hotanddeepandwithanopenpossessiveness.Shebuckedunderhim,lushinherfemininity,makingsmallsoundsofpleasurethaturgedhimtodrivehereverhigher.Buttoday,hedidn’twanthertogooverwithouthim.Heneededtoholdherinhisarms,feelherpleasure.Sowhenhefeltintimatelittlemusclesclench,herbreathingalter,hetookonefinaltasteandroseoverherbody,hishandonherhip.“Togetherthistime,Sophie.”Thewordsweresodeep,sohoarse,astobealmostunrecognizable.
Sophiarealizedhercophadreachedtheendofhiscontrol.“Yes,oh,yes.”Feelingwildandneedyandhotlyfemale,shewrappedherlegoverhiship,openingherselfevenfurtherforhim.
Hedidn’taskagain,kissingherwithagut-wrenchingblendoftendernessandanalmostviolentneedashenudgedattheentrancetoherbody.Thesensationwas…indescribable.Itmighthavedrivenhertomadnessifshe’dtrieditwhentheyfirstmet.Butnow…
Buryingherfaceinhisneck,breathingintheintoxicatingblendofhisscent,shegrippedhisbodytightasheslidinsideher.Hisentryburnedalittle,butthatwasasmallthingsubsumedintheagonyofsensation.Shaking,shewrappedherotherlegaroundhim.Thesuddenactopenedherup,madehimslideinsidefasterthanbefore.
Theybothcriedout,andMaxfrozeaboveher.“Sophie?”
Sheranherteethupthelineofhisthroat.“Yes.”Always,yesforthisman
Tuggingoffherhands,hetwinedthemwithhisownashepressedhertothesheets,hismouthclaiminghers.Shefeltdeliciouslyexposedandshockinglyexhilaratedasheflexedhishipsandburiedhimselftothehiltinsideher.Hercrywastornoutofher,herbodyarchingtowardhisinprimalresponse.Whenhebegantomove,shetriedtofollow.Shewasafractionofasecondoutofsync…butonlyforthefirstfewstrokes.
Andthen,therewasnomorethought.Justtheslick,hotglideofhisbodyagainsthers,insidehers,theraspofhisjawagainsthercheekasheloweredhishead…andfinally,theturbulentbeautyofasexualstormthatthrewthembothagainsttherocksandbrokethemwideopen.
“Heyyou.”Bracedonhissidebesideher,Maxranhishanddownherfront.“Youlooklikeawell-fedcat.”
Shescrunchedupherface.“Thatisnotasensualimage,notwhenIknowit’sMorpheusyou’relikelyusingasacomparison.”
Thetartresponsegotherakiss,adeep,intenseclaiming.“How’reyoufeeling?”
“Fine.Myinexplicable”—butviciouslystrong—“shieldsarestillholdingonthePsyNet.”
“That’sgood,butIwastalkingaboutthephysical.”
Herbodyflushed.“Oh.”She’dmadeavisittothebathroom,hadlookedatherfaceinthemirror,amazedattherumpled,pleasuredwomanwiththekiss-bruisedmouthwho’dstaredbackather.“I’malittletender,that’sall.”Itfeltstrangetohavesuchaconversation,andyetshecould.BecauseitwasMax.
Hesmoothedhishandoverherabdomen.“Letmeknowwhenyou’rereadyforroundtwo—likeItoldyou,practice,lotsandlotsofpractice,makesperfect.”
Catchingtheteasinglightinhiseyes,shepunchedhimlightlyontheshoulder,beforeturningtofacehim.“Thankyouformakingtheexperiencesovery…”
“Interesting?”Aflashoftheleandimplesheadored.
“Yes,”shesaid,tracingthelaughterwithherfingertip,feelingherownlipscurve.“Itwassupremelyinteresting.That’sahighcompliment.”
“I’msoglad.”Slidingonearmunderherhead,hedrapedthehandoftheotheroverherhip.“ForaPsy,youwereokay.”
“Andyouweren’tbadforacop.”
Theylookedateachother,bothofthemutterlydelightedinthemoment.Shewantedtosnuggleclosertohim,butherbodywasstillhummingwithsensation.Bettertowaitawhile,shethought,letthingsquietenafraction.“Turnaround.”
Tohiscredit,hedidn’tpretendnottoknowthereasonforherdemand.Scowling,hedidasasked.Thetattooranalongthelengthofhisspine,aswordwiththetipjustbelowhisnapeandanintricatehiltathislowerback.Itwasagorgeouspieceofart.
Fascinatedbythesparebeautyofit,Sophiapusheddownthesheetsoshecouldviewthewholething.“Whendidyouhavethisdone?”
“Sixteen,”hesaid.“IthoughtIwashotshit.”
Sheconsideredtheboyhemust’vebeen—toughbutslender,hismusculaturestilldeveloping,andwantedtotraceeveryinchofthattattoowithsoft,adoringkisses.“Theblade’ssoemptyincomparisontotheartworkonthehilt.”
Hismusclesbunched.“Ileftitblankonpurpose.Foryou.”
Herthroatlocked.Shewantedtogivehimagift,too…agiftasprecious,asenduring.“It’snearlunchtimeinPortVila.Youcouldprobablycatchtheprofessorinhisoffice.”
Turningtofaceher,hesaid,“Iknow.”
Sophiastrokedherhanddownhisarm,worried.“Whydoyousoundthewayyoudo?”Asifhewasholdingsomethingtightlyincheck.
Heshuddered,bendinghisheadsohisforeheadtouchedhers.“I’mafraid.”Astarkadmission.“Whatifitisn’tRiver?Orwhatifitis…andhedoesn’twanttoseeme?”
“Whywouldherejectyou?”Maxhadfoughtforhisbrother,triedtosavehim
“I’vealwaysthoughtthathewentdownthewrongpathpartlybecauseoftheguilthefeltatthewayourmotheralwaystreatedussodifferently.”Riverhadbeenhergoldenchild,Maxthewhippingboy.“Itriedtoshieldhimfromit,butIcouldn’t,notintheend.”
Sophia’sfingerstwinedwithhisonthesheetsbetweenthem.“Ifthisisyourbrother,ifhe’stheboyIsawinthatflashofbacksight,hecaresforyoutothedepthsofhissoul.”
“Sometimes,thatisn’tenough.”Maxknewhesoundedharsh,butitwastheonlywayhecouldhandlethis.Ifheallowedittomatter,itwouldhurttoofuckingmuch.“Iwouldn’tblamehimifhedoesn’twanttoberemindedofthepast.”
Sophiasqueezedhishand,leavingthedecisionuptohim,thosevioleteyeswarmwithanintense,unbreakableloyalty.
Intheend,therewasonlyonethinghecoulddo,hisloveforhistormented,damagedyoungerbrotherstrongerandfarmoretenaciousthanthefearthatsoughttoholdhimback.Pickinguphiscell,hemadethecall—theconversationwiththeprofessortooklessthanaminute,withtheelderlymanpromisingtopassonMax’sdetailstothisRiverwhomightbehisbrother.Hangingup,MaxreleasedalongbreathanddrewthescentofSophiaintohislungs.
Thetemptationtocurluparoundherandjustforgettheworldwasalmostoverwhelming,butthecopinhimwouldn’tsettle.He’dtakenanoath,madeapromise.“Ishouldletyourest,”hesaidtothewomanwhowastryingsohardtomakesurehehadafamily,“but…wanttocomeonastakeout?”Hisangeratbeinghelplessinthefaceofherfailingshieldsthreatenedtomakehimbitter,buthefoughttheugliness,refusingtotaintthebeautyofthisstrange,beautifuljoybetweenacopandhisJ.
Sophia’sfacelitupwithanalmostchildishpleasure.“Really?Yes!”
Andheknewhe’ddoanythinginhispowertokeepthatlightinhereyes.
“Okay,”hesaidoncehe’dcheckedinwiththemanhuntteam—nosightings,noinformationtohelphimnarrowthesearchgrid,hisfrustrationasacuteastheirs—andtheywereontheirwaythroughthedarkeningcity,“wordis,somePsyarehavingsecretivemeetingsaroundtown.Nooneknowswhy.”
“We’regoingtoobserveoneofthesecovertmeetings?”
“Yes.Clay’sinformantssayit’sprettycertaintheplacewe’reheadingtowillbethegatheringpointtonight.”Theleopardchangelinghadsentthroughthemessageearlier.“Fornow—we’rejustgoingtowatch,seeifwecangetanideaofwhat’sgoingon,gaugeifitmightbeconnectedtotheNikitasituation.”
Notthatlongafterward,MaxbroughtthecartoastopintheexclusivePacificHeightsneighborhood,parkingbetweentwoothersimilarblacksedans.Thisparticularstreetwasahistoricallandmark,maintainedmuchasithadbeenintheearlytwentiethcentury,thetrimsonthegracefulQueenAnne-stylehomesdecorative,thecolorsdistinctiveeveninthemutedlight.
“Thisisexciting,”Sophiasaid,wide-eyed,justasthestreetlightssensedtheapproachingnightandswitchedthemselveson.
Maxbittheinsideofhischeek.“Yeah,anddon’tthinkItakeallmydatesonstakeouts.You’respecial.”Suchanimpossiblysimplestatementtodescribethedepthofwhathefeltforher.
“I’mflattered.”Ahuskychuckle.“Oh—ImayhavediscoveredwhatwasbotheringyouaboutQuentinGareth’sfile—Imeanttotellyouafteryougotoffthecomm,butwegot…distracted.”
Max’sbodypurredatthethoughtofthatdistraction.“Stillfeelingtender?”
“Max.”
Reachingout,heclosedhishandoverherthigh,gavealittlesqueeze.“So?”
“Yes.”Hecouldheartheblush.Thenshesaid,“Areyouerect?”
Hell.“Ishouldknowbetterthantoteaseyou.”Grinning,evenasheshiftedtoeasethepoundingerectionshe’dbroughttolife,hesaid,“So,QuentinGareth?”
“Hasawell-hiddendiscrepancyinhisearlyrecords.ItsayshewenttoanIvyLeaguecollegefromageeighteentotwenty-three,andhedid.However,hewasn’tactuallyatcollegeforsixmonthsofhisfinalyear—heenrolledinnoclasses,tooknoexams.
“WhenIdugdeeper,Idiscoveredhe’dwonaplaceinsomekindofworkexperienceprogram.”Shetouchedherfingerstothehandhehadonherthigh,rubbingherthumboverhisknuckles.“There’snothinginherentlysuspiciousinthat,butthefactthathehiditinsteadofputtingitonhisCVtellsmeheeitherdidsobadlyduringtheprogramthathewantsitgonefromhisworkhistory—”
“—or,”Maxcompleted,“he’sgotasecrethedoesn’twantustouncover.Wherewasheposted?”
“That’sthething.There’snorecordwhatsoeverofwherehespentthosesixmonths.”
Maxcaughtsomethingwithhisperipheralvision.“Stayrelaxed,”hesaidtoSophia.“It’sdarkenoughthattheywon’tbeabletoseeus.”Thoughthestreetlightinfrontofthetargethomemadetheirquarryveryvisible.
Twomenandonewomanwalkedupfromtheothersideofthestreet,enteringthehouseafteraquickknock.Twomorewomen,middle-agedthistime,followed.Thesixthattendeewasamucholderman,hishairintightgraycurls.
Sophiajerkedforwardwithoutwarning.“IsthatwhoIthinkitis?”
Theindividualwho’dcaughtherattentionpausedonthestepsofthehouse,glancingaroundasifconsciousofbeingwatched.
“Sonofabitch,”MaxmurmuredasRyanAsquithshiftedonhisheelandwalkedinside.CHAPTER39
CouncilorKalebKrychekwasjustgettingintohiscarforthedrivetohisofficeinMoscowwhenhefeltit.Atelepathicricochet.Catchingthereturningtrackerwithapsychichand,heleanedagainstthevehicle.HehadthousandsoftheseinvisiblepsychicconstructsscatteredthroughouttheNet,allofthemprimedtoscanthroughbillionsuponbillionsofbytesfordataforonename.
Thiswasthefirstonethathadreturnedsincehebeganhissearchsixyears,fivemonths,andthreeweeksago.
Hewascarefulwiththeoldandfragileconstruct,notwantingtolosewhatithadbroughtbacktohim.Ittookhimalmosttenminutestopenetratethelayersofhisownsecurity—andthen,thereitwas.Thatname,linkedtoinformationthathadpassedthroughadistantpartoftheNettwoweeksago.Theinformationwasfragmented,thetrailwouldbedifficultifnotimpossibletopickup,butthatmatteredlittleatthispoint.
Becauseatlast,hehadconfirmationthathisquarrywasalive.CHAPTER40
I’mwritingthisasyousleepbesideme,yourbreathingeasy,thelinesofstresssmoothedaway—andIdon’tknowhowtodescribewhatIfeelforyou.Idon’thavethosewords.Ithurts,thisemotioninmyheart,thisinexorableache.
—SophiaRussoinanencryptedandtime-codedlettertobesenttoMaxShannonafterherdeath
Sophialayinbedthenextmorning,herlimbslooseandherbodyutterlysated.So,thiswaswhatpleasurefeltlike,shethoughtinwonder.Thiswaswhatpoetswroteaboutandartistspainted.Thiswaswhyhumansgaveeachothersecretsmilesandchangelingsmurmuredintheirmates’ears.
ThebathroomdooropenedtorevealatiledenclosurefullofsteamjustasMorpheusjumpedontothebedandpaddedaroundtositrightupagainstherabdomen.Shetookthehint,strokinghissolidform.“Youshowerinwaterfartoohotforyou,”shesaidtothebeautifullymuscledmalewhowalkedoutfromtheheatandheadedtowherehe’dthrownachangeofclotheslastnight.
Afterthey’dseenRyanenterthatstatelyQueenAnne,sheandMaxhaddecidedsheshouldreturnhome,tearapartRyan’sfile.Hercophadcalledupawhite-blondchangelingmalenamedDoriantodropherhome,whilehe’dstayedonRyanuntilclosetothreea.m.,leavingonlywhenhisfriendClayhadarrivedtotakethewatchforafewhours.She’dheardhimreturnhome,heardhimconferwiththemanhuntteamforoverhalfanhour.
“LookslikeBonner’sparentsprovidedhimwithaccesstoaprivatejet,”he’dsaidtoherwhenhestumbledintobed.“Bastardcouldbeanywhere.I’vealertedthelocalairports,letthecatsknow.”He’dgonestraighttosleepafterthat…butwokenanhouragowithmorethanenoughenergytomakehergasp
“You’llboil,”shesaid,asanotherwaveofsteamescapedthebathroom.
Anunrepentantwink.“Heatisgoodforyou.”Towelhitchedaroundhisleanwaistandhairdamp,helookedyoung,incrediblyapproachable.
ArumbleagainstherpalmasMorpheusbegantopurr.“IwasthinkingaboutcallingQuentinGareth’scollege.”HavingdiscoverednothingincriminatinginAsquith’sfiles,shewasstayingbehindtodaytosortthroughthePsyNetdatashe’dcached—inthehopesofunearthingsomethingthatmighttiePurePsydirectlytotheattacksonNikita’speople.“Butifhehasalertssetinplace,itcouldtiphimoff.”
“Holdoffonthat,”Maxsaid,throwingthetowelonthebed.“Imightbeabletogettheinformationanotherway.”
Theintimacyofwatchinghimdresswasatightnessinherchest.“Comebacktome,Max,”shesaidquietly.
“HowcouldIresist?”Asolemnlook,akissthatheldemotionthatmadehersoulache.“You’reholdingmyhearthostage.”
Tenminuteslaterandfartoosoon,Maxwalkedtothedoor,withherbehindhim.“I’llbeonthephonetothemanhuntteamthroughouttheday,too,soleaveamessageifyoucan’tgetthroughandI’llcallback.”Reachingout,hetuckedastrandofherhairbehindherear.“BuildingsecurityhasBonner’simage—theyknownottolethimuptoyouunderanycircumstances.
“Enforcement’sonalert,andClay’salsoputthewordoutamongDarkRiver’snetworkofinformants.”Asqueezeofherhip.“Ifyougoout—andI’dratheryoudidn’t—don’tforgettotakeoneofthesecurityguyswithyou.Orbetteryet,callme,andifIcan’tgetaway,I’llcallDarkRiver,organizealeopardescortforyou.”
Rememberingthewarpedarousalshe’dreadinBonnerduringtheGwynHayleyscan,Sophiahuggedherarmsaroundherself,thetinyhairsonherbodyrisinginprimitivewarning.“Iplantostayin.”Beingoutsideinthegeneralpopulationwasbecomingmoreandmoreunbearable.“AndIwon’tbeenteringthePsyNet,sodon’tworryaboutthateither.”
Hetouchedhislipstohertemple.“Howareyou?”Aroughquestionthatheldathousandunsaidthings.
Sheplacedherhandoverhisheart,soakedintheincrediblegiftofhispresence.“Stillhere.”Buthertelepathicshieldsweresothinthatanytouchbyanunstablepersonalitycouldperforatethem.
Ahardkiss.“I’llcheckuponyoueveryhour.Don’teventrytostopme.”
Hewasgoneaninstantlater.
Knowingsheshouldhaveprotested,butreassuredbyhisprotectiveness,shefedMorpheus—whograciouslypermittedhertostrokehimonce—thentookaquickshower.Afterward,refreshed,shechangedintoapairofsoftvelourpants—theywerelikenothingshe’deverbeforeworn.She’dboughtthemonimpulseseveralmonthsago,inadecisionsonon-Psyshehadn’trequiredamedictotellhersheneededtogoinforreconditioning.Butshehadn’twornthemuntilnow.
Thedarkbluematerialwasvelvetysoft,delicate,andbeautifulagainstherskin.Enjoyingthetactilepleasure,sheputonastretchyT-shirt,zippingherselfintoahoodedgraysweatshirtseveralsizestoolargeforhertocompletetheoutfit.Itwasn’tcoldinherapartment,butthesweatshirtwasMax’s,carriedhisscent.
Hercop,shethought,wouldneverunderstandthedepthofwhathemeanttoher,whathe’dgivenher.Itwasatonceawild,earthythingandanincandescentjoy.Theonlyshadowcamefromtheknowledgethattheirtimehadalmostrunout,thatonedaysoon,hermindwouldfillwithnoiseandshe’dloseMax,losethetearingpoweroftheemotionthathadmadeherwhole,everybrokenpartofheracceptedandcherished.
Herfingersclenched.
Sheforcedthemtoopen.Itwasnousebeingangry,nouserailingatfate.Factwasfact—she’dgonethrougheverymanual,spokentoeveryoneofhercolleagues,alltonoavail.Telepathicshieldscouldnotberebuiltoncetheybegantodegradefromthecoreout.
“Theyusethendiscarduslikegarbage,”afellowJhadsaidtoher.
“Whydidyouaccepttheposition?”Asaneight-year-oldgirlstrappedtoahospitalbed,Sophiahadhadnochoice,butotherJsdid.
“Itwastheonlyavailablejob.”
Sophiahadunderstood.“IsitalwaystheonlyavailablejobwhenaJattemptstofindwork?”
“Yes.”
Furyhadmadeherguttwist.“Inthepast,beforeSilence,”she’ddaredask,knowingtheJoppositeherwould’vebeenahistorianifgiventhechoice,“wasitlikethis?”
“No.Jswereonlyeverusedincapitalcases.Oriftherewasahungjurywherethecrimefitcertainparameters.”
Theload,Sophiahadrealized,would’vebeenspread,placingfarlesspressureoneachindividual.
“Jsstillwentmad,stillbroke,”hercolleaguehadcontinued,“butnomorethantherestofourrace.”
ButnowtheCouncilusedthemupinordertoconsolidateitspower.Inlightofthatbrutaltruth,Sophiawasn’tsureshewantedtosaveNikita,butMaxwasagoodcop.Hebelievedinjustice,madeherwanttobelieveinit,too.
Hermindtookthatthought,connectedittoarumortangledupintheinformationcacheshe’dbeguntoprocesswhileshegotouttheingredientstoprepareabreakfastdrinkofthehotchocolateMaxhadboughtforher.Interesting.Leavingthemilkunopenedonthecounter,shefoundapieceofpaperand,takingaseatonthesofa,begantonotedowntherelevantfactsasshesmoothedoutthe“lumps”ofrawdata.
Theclickofherdoorbeingopenedwasquiet,butitshatteredherconcentration.“Ma—”Butitwasn’thercop.
Hereyestookinthesecurityoverridekeyinthewoman’shand,theCenterbadgeonherlapel.No.ShewenttolowerherPsyNetshields,sendoutapsychicmayday,butthewoman’smalecompanionwasalreadygrippingherarm,slappingapressureinjectoragainstthevulnerableskinofherneck,hisnakedhandmerecentimetersaway.Herconcentrationfractured—andtheyshotsomethingintoherbloodstreamthatturnedherminddull,sluggish.
“UsefulthatJshavesuchsolidPsyNetshields,”thewomansaid,supportingSophiaunderonearmwhileherpartnertooktheother.
“Whyissheontherehabilitationwatchlistthen?”
“Hertelepathicshieldsareallbutgone.Ifsheisn’trehabilitatednow,there’sachanceshe’llbreakonherown.”Theybegantoheaddownthecorridor.“AndthedeaththroesofthefracturedarealwayssodisruptivetoSilence.”
Sophiatriedtoresisttheirhands,thewaytheydirectedherlikearagdoll,buthermindwasmiredinthickfog,herbodyrefusingtofollowhercommands.They“walked”herdowntothegaragelevel,eachholdinguphalfherweight.AndtheonlythingshecouldthinkwasthatMaxwouldneverknowhowmuchshelovedthescentofhim.
MaxjoggedthroughthedoorsofDarkRiver’sChinatownHQjustastheskiesopenedup.“That’ssomestorm,”hesaid,shakingoffthedropletsthathadmanagedtohithim.
“Forecasttoclearsometimetonight,”Doriansaid.“So,what’sup?Claystillshadowingthatinternforyou?”
“No,hehadtoswitchwithaguynamedEmmett.”WhohadtextedMaxafewminutesagotosaythatAsquithhadarrivedatwork.
“That’sright.”Dorianclickedhisfingers.“Clay’sholdingatrainingsessionforsomeofthesoldierstoday.”
Maxnodded.“Ihearyou’regoodwithcomputers.”Whathe’dheardwasthattheblondsentinelwasanexperthacker.
Brightblueeyesblazedwithanintelligencemanypeoplemissed,beingtakeninbylooksreminiscentofsometeenagesurfer.“Yeah?Wheredidyouhearthat?”
Maxtappedthesideofhisnose.“Youhaveyoursources.Ihavemine.”
“Idon’tworkforfree.”DorianfoldedhisarmsandstaredmeaningfullyattheboxMaxhadcarriedinside.Therewasaveryfelinelookofanticipationonhisface.
“ThanksfordrivingSophiehomelastnight.”Maxhandedoverthedoughnuts.
“Iwasworkinglateanyway.”Heopenedthebox,drewinalongbreath.“Whatdoyouneedonthecomputerfront?”
“AnythingyoucandigupaboutaPsynamedQuentinGarethduringaparticularperiodalmosttwentyyearsago.”Takingoutanotepad,hejotteddownthedetailsofthesixmonthgap.
Doriantookabiteoutofajellydoughnut.“Goodcall,comingtome,”hesaidafterswallowing.“PsyoftenforgetabouttheInternet.Lotsofstuffcachedallovertheplace.”Takingthetornoffpieceofnotepaper,hesliditintoapocket.“I’lldothesearchnow—haveafewminutesfreebeforeameeting.”
“Callmeonmycellifyouhaveanything.I’mheadingtoNikita’s.”Buthe’donlygottentothedoorwhenhegotacallfromtheheadofthemanhuntteam.“Doctor’sbeenfound.”Furyandpityintertwined.“Wewererightaboutthetimeandmethodofdeath.Atleasthedidn’ttortureher.”
Itwas,Maxknew,asmallmercy.“Wasshefoundneartheprivateairportwhereyouthinkheboardedajet?”
“Yeah.Parentsarerefusingtotelluswherethejetmight’vegone.Thefiledflightplansaysit’sheadingtoGreece,butthat’saloadofbullshit.AirControlhasn’tgotitonitssystems,whichmeanstheBonnerswerefuckingreadywithaplanedesignedtoevaderadar.”
AngerburnedthroughMax’sveins.“I’veputawatchonsomeoffshoreaccountsIknowarehis.”WithoutawarrantandwiththehelpoffriendsinthecomputroniccrimesbranchofEnforcement,butifitwouldhelpcatchtheButcherbeforehekilledagain,Maxwasn’tgoingtosweattheethicsmuch.“Hehasn’taccessedthemyet—hismother’sprobablysupplyinghim.”
“Bart’sworkingonawarrantforherfinancials.”
“Sightings?”
“Throughtheroof.”Aharshsound.“Peoplejumpingatshadows—youknowhowitis.”
“We’llgethim,”Maxsaid,abletoheartheothercop’sfrustration.“Wediditonce;we’lldoitagain.”Hangingupafterafewmorewords,heranouttothecar,therainpeltingagainsthisbody.Shruggingoffhiswetsuitjacket,hewasdrivingthroughChinatownwhenherealizedhe’dforgottenhissecuritykeycard—whichallowedhimfullaccesstotheDuncanbuilding—atSophia’sapartment.Figuringit’dbequickertopickitupthanhaveitreissued,hethrustahandthroughrain-damphairandturnedhomeward.
“Sophia?”hecalledoutashewanderedintoherbedroom.Thekeycardwasonthedresserwherehe’dputhiswalletthenightbefore,butthebedroomprovedotherwiseempty.“Sophie?Youintheshower?”However,whenheknocked,thedoorswunginward.
Worriedshe’ddecidedtoheadoutinspiteofBonner’spossiblepresence,hepulledouthiscellphoneandplacedacalltohers.Itranginthelivingarea
Icecrystalsformedinhisblood.
Closinghiscell,hebegantoscantheapartmentwiththeeyesofacop.Thefoodpreparationareawascleanexceptfortheunopenedcontainerofmilkonthecounter.Hestilled.Sophiewashopelesslyneat,butitwaspossibleshe’dforgottentotidyitawaywhiledistractedbysomething.
Livingareaundisturbed.Organizeronthecoffeetable.Andthebedroom,whenhereturnedtoit—
Hisheadsnappedbacktotheorganizer.Sophiamightforgethercellphone,butshewasneverwithoutthatcomputronicdevice.Gutclenchingwithafearsovisceralhecouldn’taffordtofeelitifhewasgoingtofunction,heranoutoftheapartmentandstraighttothesecurityhubattheheartofthebuilding.
EnteringusingtheoverrideNikitahadprogrammedintohiskey,hehadthePsyguardrewindthecorridorfeed.“Stop!Whoarethosetwo?”
Theguardenlargedtheview.“ThefacialrecognitionsoftwareplacesthefemaleasanM-PsyattachedtoalocalbranchoftheCenter,whilethemaleappearstobeasecurityexpert.”
Maxshoveddownhisragingworry,focusingonlyonthelethalclarityofhisanger.“Whyweretheyallowedup?”heasked,histoneawhip.“Ifuckingwarnedyouallthatshecouldbeatarget!”
Theguardwasalreadyaccessingthesecuritylog.“Accordingtothis,theyhadanauthorizationwhichoverrodeour—”
“Bringitup,”heinterrupted.“Theauthorization!”Itwasasnappedcommandwhenthemandidn’timmediatelyunderstand.
ThescreenfilledwithacrispdocumentmandatingtheremovalofSophiaRusso,DesignationJ,totheBerkeleybranchoftheCenterforComprehensiveRehabilitation.
RageburnedaninfernoacrossMax’sskin,buthismindremainedmiredinice.“Whatdoesthatmean?”Hepointedtowhatappearedtobeacoatofarmsoranemblemofsomekindonthebottomofthepage—asmallsquareofblackoverlaidwithaweb.
Thesecurityguardwentunnaturallystill.“That’sCouncilorHenryScott’snewemblem.”
MaxwasalreadycodinginacalltoNikitaasheorderedtheguardtosendthelocationoftheCentertohisphone.“Nikita,HenryScottishavingSophiarehabilitated,”hesaidtheinstantNikitaanswered,knowingHenry’sinterferencewouldensureNikita’scooperation.Councilors,he’dlearned,wereasterritorialaschangelings.“Shewastakenanhourago.”
Nikitadidn’taskuselessquestions.“Whichbranch?”
“Berkeley.”
“Wait.”
Hewasinthecarandscreamingoutintotherain-darkcitybythetimehervoicecamebackontheline.“Theyhaven’tyetreachedtheCenter.”Apause.“Theyshouldhaveaccordingtothetimeframeyou’vegivenme.”
Heforcedhimselftothink,tofocus.Therainhadn’tturnedtorrentialuntilabouttwentyminutesago—Nikitawasright,theyshould’vereachedtheCenterbynow.Andthen,suddenly,herealizedthatNikitashould’vebeenabletocontactSophieontheNet.Everythingstoppedasheforcedhimselftoask,“Isshestillalive?”CHAPTER41
“HermindispresentinthePsyNet,”Nikitasaid,“butshe’snotrespondingtotelepathichails.”
Reliefmixedwithacold,coldanger.Ifthebastardshadhurther—“IneedyoutofindoutthemakeandmodelofthecartheCenterpeopleweredrivingsoIcanaskEnforcementtoputoutanalert.”
“You’llhavetheinformationinminutes.I’vealreadynotifiedtheCenternottoproceedwiththerehabilitationorder.”
Thankingher,hehungup.ButheknewNikita’sinterventionwouldn’thelp,notifSophiahadbeentakensomewhereelse.Theycould’vealready—No.“Holdon,Sophie.Youjustholdon.”Openinghiscellphone,hemadeanothercall.“Clay,Ineedyourhelp.”
ThechangelingmaleturnedouttobeatanindoortrainingfacilityatleasttwentyminutesclosertotheCenterthanMax.“I’vegotseveralsoldierswithme,”Claysaid,abletoheartheincrediblestraininMax’svoice.Butheknewfromexperiencethattheothermanwouldn’tappreciatesympathy,onlypracticalassistance.“We’llheadoutnow.”Hangingup,hepulledateamtogether,andtheydroveoutintothepoundingrain.
“Prettyisolated,”KitsaidwhentheyreachedtheroadthatledtotheCenter,hisauburnhairappearingdeepbrowninthestormylight.“Visibility’slow.”
Andgettinglowerasthundercloudscontinuedtorollin,theirheavyweightmakingitseemasifitwaslateafternoonwhenitwasn’tyetmidmorning.“Thisistheonlywaytotheplace.”ThePsyhadlocatedtheirnewlobotomyfacilityinaninnocuousbuildingsetonapatchoffencedlandthatDarkRiverhadkeptaneyeon,buthadn’tconsideredathreatbecauseithadnoobviousmilitaryortacticalfunction.“Ifthey’renotonthisroute…”
“Stop!”Kit’scrycameatalmostthesameinstantthatClaypulledthecartoahalt,reactingevenbeforetheproximitysensorsdetectedtheoverturnedvehicleontheroad.
Gettingout,Clayheldupahandtothepackmatesfollowinginthevehiclebehindthemandrantothewreck.“Ihaveamaleonthisside,injured—fuck,itlookslikehisthroat’sbeenslashed.”
“Samehere,exceptit’safemale.”Wipingtherainfromhisface,KitlookedathimoverthetopofthecarasClayrose.“ShehadanIDaroundherneck,withanMinthecorner.”
RainpeltedClay’sbackinhardlittlebullets.“I’llcallMax,gethimtosendustheimages—”
Max’scarscreechedtoahaltbehindthesecondDarkRivervehicleatthatinstant.
“Man.”Kitwhistled,hislashesdrippingrain.“Thecopmust’vedrivenatthreetimesthespeedlimit.Ididn’tevenknowcarswouldletyoudothat.”
“She’snotinhere,”ClaycalledoutassoonasMaxexitedhisvehicle,knowingfromthewhitelookonthecop’sfacethatthatwaswhathefeared.
MaxpeeredintotheoverturnedcarasiftoconfirmClay’swords.Asecondlater,hebent,bracinghishandsonhisknees,hiswhiteshirtsowetastobealmosttransparent.“ThankGod.”Shovingahandthroughrain-slickhair,herosetohisfullheight.“Sophielookedlikeshe’dbeendrugged.Ifshegotout,wanderedoff…”
“Jamie,Nico,Dezi,”Claysaid,pointingtothepackmateswho’dexitedthesecondvehiclewhenMaxcamerunningover.“Doasweep,seeifyoucanfindanytraceofMax’sJ.”Theheavycanopyoftreesaroundthemcouldhaveprotectedthescenttrailfromtherain.“Kit,you,too.”
“Max,”Desireesaid,hertonegentle.“DoyouhaveanythingofSophia’s?”
Maxblinkedrainfromhiseyes.“IhadashowerbeforeIlefthome,”hesaid,obviouslyawarethatintimatecontactcouldleaveadetectablescent,“justkissedhergood-bye.Thefuckingrain’sprobablywashedawayanythingthatwasleft.”
Frowning,Desireesteppedcloser,herlong,thinbraidssleekebonyinthewet.“Doyoumind?”AtMax’sdistractednod,sheunbuttonedthetopthreebuttonsofhissoddenshirtandpressedhernosetohisskin,takingadeepbreath.Tohiscredit,Maxdidn’tmove.“Gotit.”Afiercegrin.“She’sinyourskin,Cop.”
Jamie,Nico,andKitrepeatedtheprocess—themenchoosingtotakethescentoffMax’sarmnowthatDesireehadconfirmeditwasinhisskin—beforetheyscattered.MaxglancedatClay,hisgazepiercingeventhroughtherain-lasheddarkness.“Throatscut,whatlookslikeoilacrossthesurfaceoftheroad,thiswasn’tasimplecrash.”Hiswordswerepractical,outwardlycalm.
Clayunderstood—firstthecopwouldfindhismate.Onlythenwouldhegiveintothedemonstearinghimapart.Withthatinmind,hefollowedMax’slineofthought,hiseyesontheoil.“YouknowanyoneelsewhomightwantyourJ?”
RageturnedMax’sbloodtofire.“Bonner—theButcherofParkAvenue.”Forcefullywipingawaytheredhazethatwouldjustgetinhisway,Maxmovedaroundthecar,checkingforanythingthatmightgivehimaclueastowhereBonnermayhavetakenher.“Theonlygoodthingis—ifthebastarddoeshaveher,hewon’tkillher.”No,unlikewiththedoctor,BonnerwouldplaywithSophiainthecruelestofways.
Hishandfisted.
“Thecarcrash,”Claypointedout,raisinghisvoicetobeheardabovetherainpoundingonthewreck,“could’vegoneverywrong.”
“No.”Maxshookhishead.“Itwasplannedverywell.Lookatwhereweare—rightafteracurve,sotheirspeedwould’vebeenlow.”
“Thecarhadtobeonwheelsforthistowork,”Claysaid.“Andtheywere—doesn’tmakesensewiththerain.”
Realizingthesentinelwasright,Maxexaminedthesideofthevehicle,focusingonthesectionthatheknewcontrolledthehoversystem.“Doesthatlooklikeabulletholetoyou?”Hepointedtoadistinctiveholeintheplasmetal.
“Here’sanotherone,”Claysaidfromtheotherside.
“Hemust’vetailedthemfromtheapartment,overtakenthematsomestagetosetuptheoilslick,”Maxsaid,wellawareoftheButcher’sintelligence.Hewould’vecheckedhisvehicle’snavsystem,discoveredthisroadhadnoturnoffs,nosidestreets.“Allhehadtodothenwaslieinwaitandshoot.”Squatting,hestaredthroughthebrokenwreckageofthecar.“Thestrapsinthebackhavebeencutthrough—butit’sobviousSophiawasstrappedinfarmoresecurelythaneitherofthesetwo.”
“Andifhewasstalkingher,Bonnerwould’veseenthemstrapherin.”Clay’seyeswereleopard-brightintheraindark.“Acceptablefuckingrisk.”
“Forhim,yes.”Rising,Maxbegantoconsideranddiscardoptions,refusingtoletClay’sangerfeedhisown.Notyet.Hehadtothink,hadtofindSophie.“Bastard’sgotmoney.Hisfamily’shelpinghimstayontherun.Hewon’tbeoutintheopenoreveninacheapmotel,buthe’llbeclose.”
ClaywalkedaroundtostandbesideMax.“Itwouldmakemoresensetotakeherasfaraspossible,givehimselfroomtobreathe.”
“He’s…impatient.”Maxswallowedhisfuryforthethousandthtime,toldhimselfhecouldscreamattheheavenslater.“He’llwanttohavehertohimselfassoonaspossible.”AndiftheButchertouchedher,theviciousnessofhimmightjustshatterhermind.
Forever.
No.Teethgritted,Maxhunkereddown,blockingtherainwithhisbodyasheexaminedthevehicleagain.Bonnerhadapparentlyhadnoproblemwiththefrontseatpassengers.Eitheroneorbothhadbeenunconsciousatthetime.Therewereabsolutelynosignsofastruggle.
HemovedtocrouchbesidethewindowthatSophiehadbeendraggedthrough.ThatwaswhenhesawsomethingglintintheheadlightsofClay’scar,rightbelowthewindowitself…whereBonnermight’vebracedhisfoottogainleverage.Hebentdown,untilhisnosealmosttouchedtheearth,usingthebuilt-inlightofhiscellphonetoilluminatethearea.
Tinyparticlesthatglitteredandglimmered,havingbeenhiddenfromtherainbytheangleofthewreck.
Sand.
Buttherewassomethingstrangeaboutit.Pickingitupinbetweenhisfingertips,hebroughtitevenclosertothelight.Sparklesofyellowandcrystallinered,alongwiththeoddflickerofwhatlookedalmostlikeblue.“Clay!”
Max’seyesfellonatinywhiteshelljustastheleopardranover.“What’veyougot?”thesentinelasked.
Maxshowedhimwhathe’dfound.“Thesand’snotnatural.Idon’tthinkwe’retalkingabeachhouse.”
“Wait.”Claytookthetinyshell,broughtituptokeenchangelingeyes.“Ithinkthisiscoatedwithsomething.Protectiveplaswouldbemyguess.”
“Youknowofanyplacenearbythatmightusethisstuff?It’llofferenoughisolationthatBonnerwillfeelcomfortable—butwon’tbetoorugged.”Thatwasn’ttheButcher’sstyle.
Clay’seyesnarrowed.“Kitandtheboyswerelaughingaboutsomekindofafake‘beachresort’aboutanhourfromhere.”Hepulledouthiscell.“I’vestillgotthewebaddresssaved.There—saysithasbungalowsset‘discreetlyapart,’laundryandroomservice.”
Allthecomfortsofhomeforakillerwholikedtoworkwithoutloweringhispersonalstandards.Itfit.Maxrosetohisfeet,tryingnottothinkaboutwhatBonnermightbedoingtoSophia—ifhedid,he’dshatter,andSophianeededhimtoholdittogether.“Sendthelocationtomyphone”—hewasalreadyrunningtohiscar—“I’llhookitintothenavsystem.”
“Done!”thecatcalledoutafterhim.“We’llcontinuethesearchhere,justincase!”
Hewasfiveminutesintothedrive—toofuckingslow—whenhisphonebeeped.ItwasNikita,wantinganupdate.“Councilor,”Maxsaid,tellingherwherehewasheading,“howmanyteleportersdoyouknow?”
Hedidn’texpecthelp,notnowthatitwasahumansociopathwho’dtakenSophia,ratherthananotherCouncilor’sinterference.Butshesaid,“I’llseewhatIcanarrange.”
SweattrickleddownMax’sspine.I’mcoming,baby.Justholdon.
Sophia’sstomachroiled,nauseafillinghermouth.Drugged,shethought.She’dbeendrugged.ThePsybraindidn’treactwelltonarcotics.Amoanwhisperedoutofherasshewasjostledabout,heralreadybatteredbodyunabletostopitsjerkymovements.
“Sorry.”Asmooth,charmingvoicewith…excitement,yes,itwasexcitementthatbubbledbeneaththesurface.“We’realmostthere.Thisroad’stheprivateonetomybungalow.Madetolooklikeanaturalpebbledroad.Theyshould’vesealedit.Atleasttherain’sstopped.”
Sophiaonlyunderstoodabouthalfofwhathe’dsaid.Butsheknewhe’dtakenher,andthathewasn’tamanshewantedtobealonewith.Hesmelledwrong.
Alaugh,almostamused.“I’llshowerwhenwegettothebungalow.Gotalittlesweatyandbloodysavingyourlife.”
Asnapshotofmemory,herlegskickingoutinfutilepanic,herlimbstooheavytodomuchdamageashecutawaythestrapsthatheldherinthecar,ashepulledherout.Rainonherface.Glassonherlegs.
Reachingdown,shetouchedherthighs,touchedthedampmaterialthatcoveredit.
“You’renotinjured,”themanwiththewrongnessinhimsaidashebroughtthevehicletoastop.“Afewcutsandbruisesfromthecrash,butotherwisefine.Noteventhatwet.Myarmsgotnicelyslicedupcomingtoyourrescue—I’msureyou’redyingtothankme.”
Abuzzinginherhead,adizzyingsplashofwordsandimages,hermindtwistingoutofcontrolforafrighteninginstantasthedrugspunchedatheragain.Butshecametoenoughtoflinchwhenthemanexitedhissideofthecarandcamearoundtohers.
“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.”
Lying,shethought,hewaslying.“Don’ttouchme,”sheforcedoutthroughlipsthatdidn’tworkright.
Hisexpressionchanged,becomingmeaninawayshecouldn’tdescribe.“I’minchargenow.”Hishandclampedoverherupperarm,andheloweredhishead,asifhewouldkissher.
Eveninthedepthsofhernarcoticinducedstate,sheknewthatifshetoldhimthetruth,it’dgivehimanotherweaponwithwhichtotortureher.Butifshedidn’t,hemightinadvertentlybreakhermind,killherbymakingherrelivethehorrifyinguglinessofhisblood-drenchedmemories.Andshehadtosurvive.BecauseMaxdidn’tknow.“No,”shewhispered,swallowingthenauseainspiredbyhismerepresence.“J.Can’t…contact.”
Hestilled,hishandtighteningonherarm.“Youtellingmedirectphysicalcontactcanhurtyou?Isthatwhyyouwerealwayswearingthosegloves?”
Shetriedtonod,butherheadfellforward,andshehadsomuchtroublebringingitbackup.“Yes.”
“ThenIguessI’lljusthavetobecareful.”Unsnappinghersafetybelt,heliftedheroutofthecarandintohisarms.
Herclothingprotectedher,butthisclose,herremainingtelepathicshieldsshreddedbythedrugs,shecouldn’thelpbutdrowninthefetidevilofhim.Heappearednormal,human.Buthewasn’t.Hewassotwistedupinside,soviciouslymutatedthathewasn’tevenclosetohuman.
Aslam,herbodybeinglaiddownonsomesortofasoftsurface,thathandsomeblue-eyedfacegoinginandoutoffocus.Herstomachrevoltedatthesamemoment,andshepitchedoverthesideofwhatturnedouttobeasofa,herstomachtwistinginagony.
“There,there…”Hewaswipingherfacewithawetcloth,hisvoicesolicitous.“I’llcleanthatup.Letmetakeyouintothebedroom.”Asmilethatmadeherbloodchill.“That’swherewe’llbeplayingourgamesanyway.”CHAPTER42
Takecareofmyheartwon’tyou,Sophie?It’salittleoddhavingitoutsidemybody—butI’mplanningtostealyourstomakeupforit.
—HandwrittennotefromMaxtoSophia
Maxoverrodehiscar’ssafetyinstructionsforthefifteenthtimebutknewhewasgoingtobefartoolate.Byhiscalculations,Bonnerwasalmostfiftyminutesaheadofhim.Evenifhemadethejourneytotheresortinhalfthetime,thatstillgavetheButcheraneternitytoolongtotormentaconfusedanddruggedSophia.
She’dsurvive,hetoldhimself.J-Psyweretoughineveryway.AndhisSophiehadprovenherstrengthoverandover.He’dfindher.Therewasnootheroption.
He’djustovertakenasedangoingatexactlythespeedlimitwhentherewasaslightshiftintheworldtotherightofhim.HehadhisstunneroutandpointedtotheheadofthePsywho’dteleportedintothepassengerseatbeforethethoughtclearedhismind.
“Thatwon’tbenecessary,Detective.”Avoicesocold,itwasbeyondice,beyondemotionless.“Nikitaaskedforafavor.Wheredoyouneedtogo?”
Makingasplit-seconddecision,Maxloweredthestunnerandcrossedlanestotheblaringofwarningsignals,comingtoafullstopontheverge.“ToSophiaRusso,”hesaidtothemaninthepassengerseat.
CouncilorKalebKrychekworearazor-perfectcharcoalgraysuitandhadeyesofpureblackfilledwithwhitestars.ButunlikeFaith’sorSascha’s,hiseyeswereremoteinawayMaxsimplycouldn’texplain.ItwasasifKalebhadneverfelt,asifnotevenanechooftheboyhemust’veoncebeenlivedinhiseyes
“Ineedalock,”theCouncilorsaid,andtheycould’vebeendiscussingtheweather,notthelifeofawomanwhohadfoughtforherrighttoliveeverysecondofeveryday.“IcanonlyteleporttolocationsI’veeitherseenorhavearecentvisualof.”
“Canyougotopeople?”
“Yes,withcertainqualifications.”
Maxheldouthishand.“Takeherimagefrommyhead.”
Kalebdidn’ttouchhim.“Youhaveanaturalshield.”Histonesaidthatthatmadetakinganythingimpossible.
Notgivingintofrustration,MaxquicklyroutedtotheInternetusinghisphone.“There,”hesaid,bringingupanimageofthebeachresort.“Canyougetmethere?”
Kalebbroughtoutaslimdevicethatappearedtobeahigh-endorganizerandpulledupseveralmoredetailedpicturesoftheplace.“Yes.”
Therewasnotouch,nowarning.
Maxonlyjustkepthisbalanceastheyappearedinfrontofthemassiveglasslobbythatfrontedtheresort,theairheavybutclearofrain.Thegapingdoormansnappedhismouthshut.“CouncilorKrychek,”hemanagedtocroakout.“Iwasn’tawareyouhadareservation,sir.”MaxwentthroughthedoorbeforeKaleb,headingtothedesk.
SlammingdownhisIDinfrontofthereceptionist,hebroughtupBonner’sphoto—fromanewspaperstory—onhiscellphoneandshowedittotheblondmaleonduty.“Whichroom?”
“Ah…”Themanlookedleft,thenright.“Ihavetoaskmymanag—”
“Ifshedies,”Maxsaidwithabsoluteintent,“youdienext.”
Goingsheetwhite,thereceptionistshookhishead.“Ihaven’tseen—”
“Singlemale,probablycheckedinwithinthepasttwelvehours,isolatedbungalow.”
Theblondbeganworkinghiscomputer.“We’veonlyhadonearrivalinthepasttwenty-fourhours.ButMr.White’s—”
TheiceinMax’sbloodstreamturnedtoliquidfireatthesoundofthatname,anametheButcherhadnorighttouse.“Where!”
“BungalowTen,rightattheendoftheEasternRoute.”Thereceptionistbroughtupaholographicimageoftheresortwithoutprompting.“We’rehere.BungalowTenishere.”Hepointedoutthelocations.“Aboutatwentyminutewalk.”
MaxsawKalebwalkin,turnedtohim.“Canyouteleportthere?”
“Thisimageisrepresentational—a3Dmap,”theothermansaidatonce.“Ineedashotoftheactualbuilding.”
“I’msorry.”Thereceptionistspreadhishands.“Idon’thaveanythinglikethatonhand.IcouldtryourPRdepart—”
ButMaxwasalreadyrunningthroughthedoors.
Sophiarolledoffthebedandbegantostaggertothedoor.Hehadn’ttiedherupwhenhewenttohavehisshower,andthatwashismistake.
Herlegwentoutfromunderherafterthreehaltingsteps,herkneehittingthefloorhardenoughtosendpainshootingupherleg.Bitingoffhercry,shegrippedtheedgeofthebedandpulledherselfupagain.Ittooktoolong.Shecouldhearhimwhistlinginthesmoked-glassenclosureabarefewfeetaway,obscenelycheerful,amanwithoutacareintheworld.
Thebedroomdoorswayedthenstretchedsideways,makinghergriptheendofthebedforbalance.Forcingherselftoletgooftheanchor,shelurchedforward,desperatetogetthroughthattwisting,stretcheddoor.Shecouldalmosthearitlaughingather.“Stop.Stop.”
Thelaughterturnedintochuckles.“Andwheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”Damparoundherwaist,skinsoclosetohercheek.Sheflinched,tryingtohideherbarehandsunderherarmpits.
“Nowwalkback…thereyougo.”
Sheknewshehadtodowhathesaid,becausehissemi-nakednesswasonpurpose,athreat.“Why?”Itcameoutraw,butitwasalsofromthecenterofherbrain,thepartthathadn’tbeencompromised.
Hedidn’tansweruntilshewassittingwithherbackbracedagainsttheheadboard,herlegsstretchedoutinfrontofher.“Youfascinateme,”hesaid,strokinghishanddownherthigh.
Nauseated,shetriedtopullaway,buthepinnedherinplace.
“Whenwetalkedbefore,”hecontinuedinacalm,clearvoice,asiftheywerecloseacquaintanceshavinganeverydayconversation,“IusedtowonderwhatyouwerelikebeneaththatPsysurface.Iwonderedifyouwerelikeotherwomenorifyouweremore.”
“Drugged,”shesaid,hermouthfullofcottonwool.“Notmyself.”
Angerrippledacrosshisfeatures.“No.That’sratherdisappointing.Iwanttoplaywithyou.Itdoesn’tmatter—wehavetime.”Heleanedin.“Yourskinissoclear,solovely.”Hishandmovedabarecentimeterawayfromthevulnerablefleshofherface.“Idon’twanttolosemyplaymatetooquickly,butaftersolong,Ijust…can’tresist.”Hisfingertipbrushedherflesh.
Gaping,screamingmouths.
Pleas.Whispers.Cries.
Earth,darkanddirty.
Bloodsprayingawall.Athousanddropletsofhorror.
Sophiafoughtthespiralingwhirlpool,knowingthatthistimesomeonewouldcomeforher,hercopwouldcomeforher.Allshehadtodowassurvive.
MaxmadehimselfcometoafullstopafewfeetfromBungalowTen,hislungsburningafterthesprintthathadbroughthimhere.
Instincturgedhimtoslamthedooropenandblastin,gunsblazing,buthetooktwodeepgulpsofair,settledhisbreathing.“Wehavetobecareful,”hesaidtothecold-eyedPsywho’drunbesidehimwithalethalgracethatmadeitinhumanlyclearhewasatelekinetic.“Ifhe’snearherwithaweapon,hecoulddecidetokillherifwestartlehim.”
Krycheklookedatthebuilding,nochangeinhisexpression.“Thewindowsarecurtained.Howwillyouknowwhat’shappeningwithin?”
“Bonner’segowasalwayshisundoing,”Maxsaid,walkingsilentlytothedoorandtwistingtheold-fashioneddoorhandlewithcare.Ashe’dhoped,themonsterhadn’tlockedit—thepossibilityofescapeataunttohisvictim.Pushingitbackafraction,hechancedalook.Seeingnothingandnooneinthelivingarea,heopeneditenoughthathecouldslidein.
NotsurewhatKrychek’sinterestwasinthisbeyondacoolintellectualcuriosity,helefttheCouncilortomakehisownchoicesashetoedoffhisshoesandsoddensocksandcrossedthelivingareaonquietfeet,headingtowardthesemi-opendoorwayhecouldseeontheotherend.Pressinghimselftothewall,heglancedinthroughthecrackonthehingedsideofthedoor.
Sophie.
Shesatproppedupagainsttheheadboard,herhairtangled,herfacegrazedandbruised.Butitwasthewayshesatthatworriedhim.Herheadkeptfloppingtotheside,andsheseemedtohavetoforceitbackup.Herhandslaybyherthighs,bareandunprotectedfromthemonsterwhosatinfrontofher,hisownhandstrokingtheairbareinchesfromherface.Torturingher.
ShouldersrigidwiththeneedtoputthestunnerinhishandtoBonner’sskull,MaxwasabouttochanceashotwhenKrychekappearedbesidehim.TheCouncilorgavehimasinglenod,andthistime,Maxwasreadyfortheteleport.HefoundhimselfstandinginfrontofBonner,hisstunnerpressedtotheButcherofParkAvenue’stemple.
Bonnerfroze.“Detective.”
“Dropthathand,”Maxsaidinaflattonethatleftnoroomfordoubt,“orI’llpressthetrigger.”
Bonner’sblueeyeswentwide.“Yousoundasifyoumeanthat.”Hejerkedhisarm.
Twisting,MaxshothimthroughthepalmofhisfuckinghandbeforehecouldtouchSophiaagain,exposingthewhitenessofbone.Sophiawrenchedherselfsidewaysonthebedatthesameinstant.Thesituationundercontrol,MaxwasabouttoshovetheButchertothefloorandcuffhimwhenascreamingBonnerwasslammedacrosstheroomtocometoacrumpledstandstillinonecorner.
Max,havingthrownhisbodyinaprotectivecurveoverSophia’s,raisedhishead.“Hewasnolongerathreat.”Hegotonthebed,cradlingSophiatohisside.
“He’llbeathreataslongashelives,”Kalebsaid,turningtowatchMaxandSophiawithadetachedkindoffocusthatmadeMaxwonderifhe’dexchangedonekillerforanother.“Itmakeslogicalsensetogetridofhim.”
“He’snotdead?”
“Closeenoughasmakesnodifference.”
Maxmadearuthlessdecision.“Striphismind.Weneedtoknowwhereheburiedhisvictimssotheirparentscantakethemhome,sotheycangrieve.”HewonderedifaPsywouldunderstand.
ButKalebKrychekaskednoquestions.“It’sdone.I’llnotedownthelocationsforyou.”Apause.“He’sdead.Areyousorry?”
MaxlookedatBonner’scrumpledbodyandfeltnothingbutasavagekindofsatisfaction.“No.”Maybeabettermanwould’veanswereddifferently,butMaxhadneverclaimedtobeabetterman.HoldingSophiatight,helookeddown,“Sophie?”
Shedidn’tanswer,hereyesclosed,herlashesdark-mooncrescentsagainsthercheeks.“Ineedtogethertoahospital.”
Krychekdidn’tmoveamusclebutaninstantlater,MaxfoundhimselfstandinginthemiddleofwhatappearedtobeaPsymedicalfacility,Krychekbesidehim.Themedicswentmotionlessforasecondbeforemovingintogear.Answeringtheirsnappedquestionsastowhathadhappened,MaxgaveoverhiscustodyofSophia—butrefusedtomovefromherside.
HehadnoawarenessofwhenKrychekdisappeared.
Kaleblookedatthebodyofthehumanhe’djustkilled,hisfingersplayingwiththesmallplatinumcharm—asingleperfectstar—thatwasalwayswithhim,nomatterwherehewent.Glancingdownatthestar,hesaid,“Foryou.”Fortheonepersonwhoheknewbetterthananyoneelseonthisearth,andyetcouldnotteleportto,nomatterhowmanytimeshetried.
Andhe’dtriedeverysingledayforoversixyears.
Ifothershadbeenpresentintheroomatthatmoment,theymight’vewonderedatthesweepofblackthateclipsedthestarsinhiseyes,ablacksoabsolute,itwasbeyondordinary,beyondacceptable.Buttherewasonlyadeadmanintheroom,sotherewerenoquestions.
Placingthestarinhispocket,Kalebcontactedtheauthoritiesandmadesurethisincidentwouldn’tcauseanyproblems.GivenGerardBonner’spredilections,hedidn’thavetopushatall.
Then,whenhewasalone,heteleportedtoeverylocationhe’drippedfromBonner’smindtoensurehehadthecorrectcoordinates.Coldanddesolate,eachunmarkedgraveremindedhimofthelightlessroomsusedbyanotherkiller,asociopathwho’dgroomedKalebtobehisaudience…andhisprotégé.
Kaleb.Nikita’svoicecameintohismindasheteleportedawayfromthefinalgraveandtothedeckofhisMoscowhome.
It’sdone.SophiaRussoandMaxShannonarebothsafe.ThegorgethatfellawaywithjaggedpromisebeneaththebarrierlessendofthedeckcalledtohimwiththesamewhisperedpromiseasthedarktwinoftheNetMind,theneo-sentiencethatwasboththelibrarianandguardianoftheNet.ButKalebwasn’tgoinganywhereyet.Notuntilhe’dtrackedhiselusivequarry,discoveredwhatawaited.
Nikita’stelepathicvoicefluctuatedinstrengthforasecond.Iapologize.Iwasspeakingwiththemedicalstaff.
TheJ?
She’sinacoma—thedrugstheyusedappeartohavehadaserioussideeffectApause.Thankyou.
Kalebcouldhaveremindedherithadn’tbeenatruefavor,thathe’dgethispayment,buthedidn’t.Nottoday.Areyoucertain,Nikita?
Shedidn’taskhimhowheknewwhatshewasgoingtodo.There’snousefightingthewave.Thosewhodowilldrown.
Somewillsaythatyou’retheonewho’lldrown,smashedagainstawallofSilence.
Andyou?
Kaleblookeddownintotheblacknessofthegorge,butitwasanotherdarknessthathesaw,thelightblinkingoutinawoman’seyesasshebeggedformercy.Ithinkit’stime.CHAPTER43
Nowthatit’scomedowntoit,IfindIcan’tsaygood-byeafterall,can’tbearthethoughtoflettingyougo.It’saselfish,stubbornneed,butitholdsmehostage.
—SophiaRussoinanencryptedandtime-codedlettertobesenttoMaxShannonafterherdeath
Sophiafeltpainfullyexposed,asifherskinhadbeenrubbedofftobareherinsides.Whimperinglowinherthroat,sheopenedhereyes.Thelightsstabbedandthevoices,theyweretoosharp,toopiercing.
“Sophie.”
Sheturnedherunseeing,dazzledeyestowardthatvoice.Andwhenhewrappedhishandaroundhers,sheheldon.Becausehewasquiet.Hemadeeverythingelsequiet,too.Gulpinginabreath,shetriedtothink,triedtofocus.“What…happened?”
“They’reusingotherdrugstocounteractthenarcotics,”hesaid,andsheknewthenthathisnamewasMax.“Medicssayyou’rebeginningtorespondwell.”
Images,broken,disjointed,fellintoherhead.“Howlong?”
“Twentyhours,”hetoldher,deepgroovesinhisfacethatsheknewhadn’tbeenthereearlier.“Iwasstartingtoworryyou’dneverwakeup.”
Herbrainfoughttosloughoffthelingeringeffectsofthedrugs,drivenbywhatshefeltforthismanwithhisdarkmalebeautyandhistenderness.“Mybodyshutdowntodealwiththedrugs.”
“That’swhattheM-Psysaid.”Heglancedtohisright.
Followinghisgaze,shesawtheM-Psybeyondtheglass,standingatamonitoringstation.“I’minaPsyhospital.”
“It’saprivateone,”Maxtoldher.“Nikita’scertainoftheloyaltyofthestaff.”
Butnomattertheirloyalty,Sophiathought,theyhadtoknowshe’dbrokenSilence.BythesheerfactthatshewasgrippingMax’shand,theyhadtoknow.“They’ll—”
“Shh.”Leaningin,heloweredhisvoice.“Itoldthemmynaturalshieldseemstohelpanchoryou.”
Shethoughtofthat,pullingasidethecobwebsthatthreatenedtosuffocateher.“It’strue.”Hewasactingasapsychicwall,keepingeverythingatbay.
“Good.”
Butalongwiththatunderstandingcameanother.“Ican’tspendmylifeholdingyourhand.”Herfingersclenchedaroundhisstrong,capablegrip.“Mytelepathicshields…Ican’tquitefocusenoughtotestthem.There’snowaytheycould’vesurvivedBonnerandthedrugs.”
Hisexpressionwasgrim.“You’renotgivinginonme,areyou?”
“No,”shesaid,andmeantit.Hewashers,theonlypersonwho’deverbeenhers.Andheneededher,thiscopwhoheldhispainsoclose,hisscarshiddendeep.“I’mnotgivingyouup.”
Hiseyesblazed.“Goodgirl.”
Sheknewfromthewayhelookedatherthathewantedtopresshismouthoverhers,meldthemsocloselythatnothingwouldeveragaintearthemapart.Ittookeverythingshehadnottobeghimtoactonthedesire.BecausewhenMaxtouchedher,shebecamealive,becamehuman.“Ineedyoutoknowsomething,”shewhispered.
Heshookhishead.“No.Tellmeonourweddingday.”
Hermindswirledagain,butthistime,itwasadifferentkindofadance,incitinganoddbreathlessness.“IoncetestifiedinacasewheretheprosecutorshowedavideotakenataGreekwedding”—becausetheaccusedhadbeenseenthereinthecompanyofthewomanhe’devisceratedanhourlater,butshedidn’twanttofocusonthedarknessthen—“andtherewasapartwheretheyallthrewplatesonthefloor.”
Maxlaughed,theleandimpleshesolovedcomingoutofhiding.“Youwanttothrowplatesontheflooratourwedding,baby,I’llbuyyouadamncrateofthem.”
“No.”Shewantedtoechohislaugh,traceherfingeroverhislips.“IthinkI’dliketogetmarriedwithinthewallsoftheplacewedecidetocallhome.”
Max’sexpressionchanged,becomingsavagelymasculine.“Thenthat’swhatwe’lldo.”
Withthecounteragentsactingwithremarkablespeed,MaxintendedtotakeSophiahomelaterthatdaysoshecouldhealinprivacy,buttheM-Psyrefusedtoreleaseher.“Look,”Maxfinallysnapped,histemperhangingonbyathreadsothin,itwasclosetoinvisible,“she’sgotnophysicalinjuriesasidefromafewcutsandbruises,andthesideeffectsfromthedrugsareallbutgone.”Inspiteofhiswrenchingneedtoholdher,he’dneverhavesuggestedtakingherhomeotherwise.“Whydoessheneedtoremainhere?”
TheM-PsylookedatSophia.“IneedtodiscussthatprivatelywithMs.Russo.”
“She’smypartner.”MaxwasgoingtohavetroubleleavingSophiealoneforalongtimecoming.“Andshe’salreadybeensubjecttoattackwhileinasupposedlysecurelocation.”
“Letgoofherhand,”themedicsaid.
MaxsqueezedSophia’sfingers.“Areyouinsane?”
“No.”
SophialookedattheM-Psy,thenbackatMax.“Doitslowly,”shesaid.“I’llbeabletotellifthere’saproblem.”
Protectiveinstinctsrebelled.“Sophie.”
“Imustknow.”Hereyessaidfarmorethanherwords.
Sweatbrokeoutalonghisspineashereleasedhisgripuntilonlytheirfingertipstouched—thenSophiabrokeeventhatcontact.HewasreadytoclaspherwristatthefirstsignoftroublebutshestaredathimbeforeturningherattentiontotheM-Psy.“Ishouldbedead.Thevoicesshouldhavecrashedintomymind—butIcan’thearevenawhisper.”Thejagged,splinteredthoughtsthathadstabbedintohermindwhenshefirstwokewereheldfaratbay,hermindaclear,pristinepond.
“Exactly.”TheM-Psyputdowntheelectronicfileinhishand.“AccordingtotherecordsI’veaccessed,yourshieldswereacauseforgraveconcern—tothepointwhereyouwereonarehabilitationwatchlist.Yetaccordingtomyscans,thoseshieldsarenowairtight.”
Maxsuckedinabreathbesideher,histallframeheldtaut.“Isheright?”
“Takemeoutside,Max,”shesaid,curlingherfingersintothebedbeneaththesheetswhentheywould’vereachedforhercop.“Ineedtobecertain.”
AcoolbreezestrokeditswayacrossSophia’sfaceasMaxwheeledherontotheroofoftheprivatehospital.Itwastingedwiththesaltoftheseaandthelivingbeatthatwasthepopulationofthisvibrantcity.Athousandsmellslingeredintheair,fromthesweetnessofcottoncandytothebrinytangoffish,tothewildspiceofsomeexoticrestaurant.Noises,too,roseupfromtheground.Thesmoothshushofvehicles,theheavypulseofconversationflowingbetweenthousandsofpeople,theoddsirenasemergencyvehicleswentabouttheirtasks.
“It’salloutside,”shewhispered,unabletobelieveit.Nothingcrashedagainstherskull,orifitdid,hershieldsweresoincrediblystrongthatshedidn’tfeelevenanecho.“Takemefarther,Max.”
Ashepushedthechairforward,shedaredtryandmanipulatewhateveritwasthatwasprotectingher,openingthesteelwallsamerefraction.Fragmentsofnoise,sliversofthought.Shesnappedthewallsshut.“There’snoquestion—Ihavefunctionalshields.”Grippingthechairarms,sheroseoutofthechair.“Highlyfunctionalshields.”Betterthanshe’deverhad,evenasachild.
MaxhadhishandouttocatchherevenastheM-Psyremonstratedwithher.Shedidn’tcare.Standingshakilyonherfeet,shetookadeep,deepbreath…andletthebeatofthecityflowaroundher.“I’mfree,”shesaid,thoughsheknewitwasn’tassimpleasthat.TheJCorpswouldn’treleaseher,notnowthatshewasusefulagain.But—“AndI’llfighttokeepmyfreedom.”Nomoreacidonhersoul.Nomore.
Max’sexpressionheldmingledjoyanddetermination,andsheheardthewordshedidn’tsay,evenastheM-Psyspoke.“Youshouldsitbackdown,Ms.Russo.”
Sinceherlegsfeltalittleunsteady,shedidn’targue.“Doyouhaveanyideawhymyshieldshaveregenerated?”
TheM-Psyshookhishead.“That’swhyIwanttokeepyouherelonger—shieldsasbadlydamagedasyoursshouldn’tregenerate.I’velookedthroughallourarchiveswithoutfindinganothercase.I’mconcernedtheshieldwillfailagainasquickly—”
“Inthatcase,”Sophiasaid,lookingbackoutoverthecity,“I’dratherusethistimeaswiselyasIcan.NotmanyJsgetasecondchance.”
TheM-Psyglancedathischart.“Icanonlyreleaseyouifyou’llhavesomeonewithyouatalltimesoverthenexttwenty-fourhours.Thedrugscouldrebound,triggerablackout.”
“I’llmakesureshe’sneveralone,”Maxsaid,histoneimplacable.“Signherout.”
Tenminuteslater,SophiafoundherselfinthepassengerseatofMax’scar,beingdrivenbacktotheapartment.“I’velitafireundersecurity,”hesaid,hisjawsetinagrimline.“Nobodyreachesyouwithouthavingbeingclearedbyme.”
“Max,Iknowyousaidtowaitforourweddingday,butIreallywanttotellyousomething.”
Max’shandstightenedonthewheel.“You’realwaysinarush,aren’tyou,sweetheart?”
WithMax,yes,shethought,shewasbothimpatientandgreedy.“Ilovethewayyousmell.”
Astartledlook.“That’swhatyouwantedtotellme?”
“Yes.”Smiling,content,sheclosedhereyesandgaveintotheslumberthathadbeenpushingathereversincetheyenteredthevehicle.
Shehadnoawarenessofreachingtheapartmentbuilding,noawarenessofbeingcarrieduptoherbedroomandlaiddowninbed.Nordidshefeelthekisspressedtoherforeheadorhearthelow,shakenwhispersofamanwhotoldhershewashiseverything.
MaxsatonSophia’ssofa,abletothinkaboutNikita’scaseforthefirsttimesincethenightmareoftheabduction.AfterwhatNikitahaddonetosaveSophia,heowedtheCouncilorfarmorethanwhatwasobligatedbyhispositionasanEnforcementdetective.
However,thoughNikitahadbeenintouchwithhimonandoffoverthepastday,he’dwithheldtheinformationaboutRyanAsquith’sattendanceataPurePsymeeting—gutinstinctsaidtheboywasnokillerandhe’dprobablysplinterunderNikita’sversionofa“chat.”Atmost,theinternwasamole,onewhomightleadthemtothekingpin.
ButMaxhadtoldNikitaaboutQuentinGareth,warnedhertowatchherbackuntiltheycoulddeterminewheretheprematurelysilver-hairedmanhadbeenforthoseunaccounted-formonthsinhispast.
“Quentin’sinJordanforbusiness,”Nikitahadtoldhim.“Hewon’tbebackforthreemoredays,sowehavetimetounearththetruth—I’vealreadybegundeep-levelPsyNetscansinrelationtothisissue.”
Wonderingifshe’dhadanyluck,hepickeduphiscellphoneandputthroughacall.However,theofficecommline,herprivateline,thecell,theyallwenttovoicemail.Hewasabouttotryherassistantwhenhisphoneranginhishand.Glancingatit,heraisedaneyebrow.“Ryan.”
“DetectiveShannon,asyoukeptourpreviousdiscussionconfidential,”theinternsaidwithoutanyleadin,“IfeelIcantrustyouwiththis.”
Maxwaited.
“IwasapproachedbyanindividualassociatedwithPurePsyaftermyreconditioninglastyear—theybelievedIwouldbeopentotheirmessage.”
“Goodwaytopickuprecruits.”Ryanhadkilledwhenhispowerswentoutofcontrol,would’vebeen—onsomelevel—searchingforsomethingtomaketheworldseemrightagain.
“Yes.”Ryanpaused.“Atfirst,Iwentalong,butIsoonrealizedmygoalsdidn’tmatchtheirs.However,justasIwasabouttoresignmymembership,IgottheinternshipwithCouncilorDuncan.”
“You’respyingforher?”
“Notofficially.Shedoesn’tknow.”Alongbreath.“Iwantedtobringhersomethingthatwouldmakehermoreinclinedtokeepmeonafterthisinternshipends.”
EithertheboywashonestlypinninghishopesofsurvivalonNikita,orhewasaverygoodliar.“Whatdidyoufindout?”
“Nothingconcrete…buttherewasan‘atmosphere’atthelastmeetingIattended,asenseofanticipation.Ibelievethatwhilethemembersaren’tawareofthedetailsofwhat’sabouttotakeplace,somethingis.”
Hangingupafteritbecamecleartheinterncouldtellhimnothingmore,Maxbegantocheckthemyriadofmessagesthathadcomeinduringthetimehe’dbeeninthehospitalwithSophia,hishandlockedtightaroundhers.
Therewasane-mailfromDorian.
FoundacachednoteonanoldserversayingthatGarethwona6monthinternshipatKTechInc.(London).Matcheswiththetimeperiodyou’relookingat.Alllegit.Butsomeonewenttoahellofalotoftroubletohideit.
Asecondmessageshowedupascominginonlytenminutesago.
Cop,Ihopeyourgirlisokay.Callme.
Maxinputthecode.Dorianpickeduponthefirstring.“How’sSophia?”
“Good,reallygood.”Hishearttwisted,partofhimstillunabletobelievehisSophiewassafe.“So,what’veyougot?”
“I’msorrythisiscominginlate,”Doriansaid.“Amotorcycleslidintherain,broadsidedacoupleofoursoldiersafewminutesafterIsentthefirste-mail.”
“Theyokay?”
“Brokenarm,brokenleg,butthey’llbefine.I’vebeencoveringtheirshifts.”Apause,therustleofpaper.“Anyway,IjustdidsomemorediggingonthisKTechInc.It’sownedbyashellcompany,whichisownedbyashellcompanyadnauseum.Butbehinditall,KTechispartofScottInc.”
“AsinHenryandShoshanna,”Maxcompleted,allthepiecesclickingintoplace.AccordingtotheconfidentialfileNikitahadgivenSophia,HenrywastheCouncilormostinvolvedwithPurePsy.Itwasn’tquiteasmokinggunwhenitcametothemurders,butitwascloseenoughtoputGarethsquarelyinthecrosshairs.“Thanks,Dorian.”Hangingup,hewasabouttotryNikitaagainwhenhenoticedapieceofpaperbyhisfoot,asifithadfallenoffthecoffeetable.
Pickingitup,hesawSophia’shandwriting.
Gareth.Rumor.Pr
Therewasnothingelse.She’dclearlybeeninterruptedbeforeshecouldfinishthethought.Fightingarushofpossessiveprotectivenesswhenherealizedithadtohavehappenedthemorningofherabduction,heglancedintothebedroom,sawthatshewassleepingpeacefully.Therewas,hethoughtwithawrenchdeepinhisheart,noneedtodisturbher.Except…ithadtobeimportantifshe’dleftthemilkunopenedonthecountertowriteit—andhisSophie,thegutsywomanwho’drefusedtogiveintoasociopath,wasstrongenoughtohandlethis.
Goingtokneelbesidethebed,hecuppedhercheek,thethinlinesofherscarsafamiliarpattern.“Sophie?”Hecouldn’thelptracingthelineswithastringoftenderkisses.
Shestirred,hereyesobviouslyheavyassheopenedthem.“Mmm?”Besideher,Morpheus—whohadn’tlefthersidesinceshecamehome—shothimajaundicedlook.
“YouheardarumoraboutQuentinGareth.”Hedroppedlittlekissesonthecornersofhermouth.“Whatwasit?”
Anothersmallsound,andshesnuggledcloser.
“ReportfromPrague,”shemuttered,asifinhersleep.“Vaguerumor.”Sheturnedtowardhismouth,akittenseekingmoreaffection.
“Whatabouttherumor,sweetheart?”Hebrushedherhairoffherface,pettingherwithmorekisses.“Sophie?”
“Garethmight’vekilledastudentfourmonthsago.”Itwasacrystal-clearstatement.“StudentwasonaCentershortlist.”
“Hewasconsideredflawed,”Maxmurmuredoutloud.
“Hmm.”
Iftherumorwastrue,Maxrealized,Quentinwasn’tsimplyacalculating,high-levelmoleforHenryScott,hewasafanaticwhobelievedabsolutelyinPurePsy.Andthatkindofanindividualcouldsnapifhesensedanytypeofa—
Thedoorbellchimed.CHAPTER44
ThefirstthingMaxrealizedwasthatSecurityhadn’tcalledup—everyinstincthehadwentonhighalert.“Sophie,sweetheart,wakeup.”Shovingofftheblankets,hepickedherupandcarriedherintothebathroom,sittingherdownwithherbackagainstthewallbesidethesink.Morpheusfollowedonsilentfeet.
FlickingafewdropsofwaterontoSophia’sface,herousedher.“Lockthedoorbehindme,andstayhereuntilIcomeforyou.”
“Max?What’swrong?”Hergazewasstillalittledazed.
“MaybeI’mbeingaparanoidfool,butmaybewehavesomebadcompany.”Takinghissparestunnerfromhisboot,heputitinherhand.“Justpressthisifsomeonecomesforyou.Andtakemycellphone—callEnforcementifthingsturntoshit.”Thedoorbellchimedagainasheputthecellphoneinherlap.“Understand?”
Athernod,hepulledthedoorclosedandwaiteduntilheheardthelocksnickintoplacebeforehewalkedouttothefront.Hewasn’tsurprisedtocheckthesurveillanceandfindNikitaontheotherside,withQuentinGarethbesideher.“Nikita,”hesaid,openingthedoor,hisstunnerhiddenbyhisside.“Whatisit?”
“Quentinhasastunnerheldflushtothebackofmyskull,”Nikitasaid,frigidlyunruffled.
MaxtookastepbackasGarethurgedNikitaintotheapartment.MaxsawNikita’seyessweeptheroom,wonderedwhatshewassearchingfor.“Sophia’snothere,”hesaid,testingGareth’sreaction.“Themedicswouldn’treleaseher.”
“Herbrain’slikelymushbynowinanycase,”theothermalesaid,hiseyesglitteringinawaythatspokeofadisorderedmindthathadlostanysenseofreality.“Detective,ifyoudon’twanttheCouncilor’sbrainstoleakoutherears,too,pleaseplaceyourownweapononthecoffeetable.”
Maxdidasasked,havingcaughtNikita’seye.Forsomereason,shewascooperatingwithGareth.What,hethought,wouldmakeawomanofNikita’spowerholdherfire?
“Good,”GarethsaidasMaxdrewawayfromthecoffeetable.“Standagainstthecounter.”
Maxdidso,facingGareth.“What’reyouplanningtodonow?”Heheardsomethingfromthebedroom,felthisspinelockasherealizedSophiahadexitedthebathroom.
ButGarethdidn’tseemawareofanythingbuthismission.“Nowwewait.”
“ForHenry,Iassume,”Nikitasaid.“Doeshereallythinkyouhavetheabilitytodisposeofme?”
“Ipressthistrigger,andyourbrainissomuchliquidthreesecondslater.”
“I’veinfectedyou,”NikitasaidquietlywhileMax,forthefirsttimeinhislife,wishedthathe’dbeenbornatelepath.WhatthefuckwasSophiathinking?“Yourmind,”Nikitaadded,“isalreadybeingconsumedbyamentalvirus.”
Gareth’shanddidn’ttremble,thoughtheoddshineinhiseyesseemedtoflareevenbrighter.“Iexpectedasmuch.ItwillbeasmallpricetopaytosavetheNet.”
Martyrs,Maxknew,wereevenmoredangerousthanfanatics.
“IsSaschadead?”Nikitaasked,givingMaxtheinformationheneeded.
“No.Butshe’sinourcontrol.Shewon’tbeharmedifyoudoexactlyasordered.”
“Ifshe’salive,”Nikitacontinued,“Ishouldbeabletoreachhertelepathically,andIcan’t.”
“You’reacreatureofhabit,Nikita—Ispikedthewaterjuginyourofficewithadrugthat’stemporarilydampenedyourrange.”Apause.“It’savariantofJax,stillexperimental,soIhopeyoudidn’tdrinkmorethanyourusualsingleglass.”
“HowcouldyouhavepossiblyreachedSascha?”Maxasked,hopinglikehellthatSophiawouldkeepherselfhidden.QuentinGarethwasinsane,buthewasstillinfullcontrolofthatweapon.“She’ssurroundedbyDarkRivercats.”
“WeshottheDarkRiveralphaashedroveherhome.Itwaseasytotakeher.”
AndMaxknewwithoutadoubtthatGarethwaslying.BecauseifLucaswasdeadandSaschamissing,Dorianwould’vebeenhuntingGarethdownwiththelethalrageofaleopardinstalkingmode,notrunningasearchforMax.“He’slying.”
Nikitamethisgaze.“Ineedtobecertain,Detective.Quentininformsmethatifhetellshissuperiorshe’sbeentaken,orifhisstardisappearsfromtheNet,Saschawillbeputtodeath.”
Maxsawthebedroomdoorbegintoopen.Shiftingtotheleftinasuddenmove,hemadeGarethswiveltowardhim—thoughthemancontinuedtouseNikitaasashield.“Iwouldn’tgoforyourstunner,Detective,”hesaid.“Weneedtoquestionyouinordertoensureyoudidn’tshareclassifiedinformationaboutourcause,butyou’renotindispensible.”
Atinysqueakasthebedroomdooropenedfarther,butMaxwasalreadytalking.“What’syourmasterpromisedyou?”Thechoiceofwordswasdeliberate.“Apositionofpower?Money?”
“Thatquestionshowsyouknownothingaboutme.I’mdoingthisforthegoodofthePsyrace.”Andthenatlast,heconfirmedhisallegiancetoPurePsy.“Puritywillsaveus.”
“IcalledFaith.”Itwasahuskystatementfromthebedroomdoorway.“Sascha’sfine.”
Whathappenednextwassofast,sodeadly,Maxwasneverquiteabletoputthesequenceofeventsinorder.AstunnerblasthitGarethfromthebedroom,thepulseglancingoffhimasSophia’sarmtrembled.Atthesametime,oraninstantlater,Nikitawenttoherknees,evenasMax’shandclosedaroundthestunneronthecoffeetable.Heturned,hisshot,settostun,hittingGarethsquareinthechest…butthemalewasalreadyfalling,bloodpouringoutofhisears,hiseyes,hisnose.
RisingtoherfeetasGarethcrashedontothefloor,hisbodytwitchinginthethroesofdeath,Nikitacodedinacallonhercellphone.“Sascha,”shesaidasMaxrantoSophia,“IwantedtoaskifyoureceivedthecontractsIsentlastnight.”Apause.“Excellent.”Hangingup,NikitalookeddownatGareth’scorpsewithanutterlydispassionategaze.“Henryisverygoodattelepathicwipes.HemadesureQuentincarriednomemoriesIcouldusetopinthisonhim,butIknowhewasbehindit.”
MaxplacedSophiagentlyagainstthewallandlookedupatthewomanwho’djustdestroyedaman’sbraininasplinteredsecond.“Iguessthedrugsdidn’tdampenyourrangeenough.”
“Amiscalculationontheirpart.Itonlyaffectedmylong-rangesendingabilities.”
AndGarethhadbeenstandingrightnexttoher.“Hewastheonlyone.Marsha’sbloodloyalandTulane’sclean—I’dkeepaneyeontheintern,butmygutsayshe’smoreapttogiveyouhisdevotionthananythingelse.”
“Idon’thavetimetokeepaneyeoneveryone,”Nikitasaid,redoingthesinglebuttononherjacketwithanefficiencythattoldMaxthedeadmanonthefloorhadalreadybeendismissedfromherthoughts.“However,youwouldbeverygoodatit.”
Maxblinked.“Areyouofferingmeajob?”
“Ineedasecuritychief.Thinkaboutit.”
Hedidn’thaveto.“I’macop.”
“Youcanremainone—EnforcementpeoplehavebeenknowntobesecondedontoaCouncilor’sprivateteam.I’mwillingtobeflexibleifyouwishtocontinuetokeeptrackofyouroldcases.”HergazeswitchedtoSophia.“Ms.Russo—theCorpshasrequestedIreleaseyouassoonaspossiblesothatyoucanbereturnedtotheactiveroster.”
WiththatdetachedreminderthatSophiawasonceagainafunctioningJ,expectedtowalkintotheabyssagainandagainandagain,Nikitaheadedtothedoor.“Acleanupcrewwillarriveshortly.Youmaywanttomoveintoyourapartmentforthetimebeing.Andensurethatlargeblackfelinedoesn’ttasteQuentin’sblood—myviruseshavenevertransmittedthroughorganicmatter,butIcan’tguaranteethat.”
Withthosechillwords,shewasgone.HelpingSophiatoherfeet,Maxwalkedthemoutoftheapartmentandintohisown.MorpheushadtoomuchclasstolickatGareth’sblood.TurninguphisnoseatthelifelessPsy,hepaddedintotheneighboringapartmentbehindMaxandSophia.
MaxwasjusttakingasipofhiscoffeethenextmorningbeforeattemptingtogetintouchwithKalebKrychekwhensecuritydroppedoffhismail.Checkingit,hesawthathissuperinManhattanhadforwardedwhatfeltlikeacoupleoflettersinabiggerenvelope.
“What’sthat?”Sophiaaskedashetookaseatbesideheronthesofa.She’dhadagoodnight’ssleep,shakenoffthefinalsideeffectsofthedrugs.
Maxreachedouttorunhishandthroughherhair,unabletostoptouchingher.“Probablybills,”hesaidwithashrugthattriedtobecareless.
Heknewhe’dfailedwhenSophiatouchedhisshoulder.“Max?”
“I’vebeentryingtotrackdownmyfather,”hetoldher,admittinghisfinalsecret.“Idon’tknowwhy.MaybeI’llknowwhenIfindhim.”
“Doyouthinktheinformationisinthatenvelope?”
“Nowaytoknow—buteachtimeIopena‘mystery’envelope,”hesaid,lookingdownattheplainbrownpaper,“Ihope.”
Sophiashiftedtosnugglebyhisside.Itwasautomatictoputhisarmaroundher,pullhertightagainsthim.Shefitperfectly.“There’ssomethingelse.”AsoftstatementfromthePsywhoownedhisheart.“Yourexpression…”
Hestoleakiss,needingher.“You’restartingtoreadmelikeabook.Bythetimewe’resittinginrockerswatchingourgrandchildrenplay,you’llknowmysecretsbeforeIdo.”
Shesmiled,andithithimrightintheheart,howfuckingmuchshemeanttohim.Hewasn’tlettinghergo,wasn’tlettingtheCorpsdragherbackdownintothenightmareworldofanactiveJ—evenifhehadtofightSilenceitself.“Iknowyoursecrets,too,Sophie,”hesaid.“Whowereyoutelepathingearlier?”
“AnotherJ.”Apause.“Myshields,Max,Ineedtoexplainthem,toassessifthere’sachancethey’llfailagain.”
Hissoulrepudiatedtheidea,butheknewshewasright.“Whatdidyourfriendsay?”
“ThatSaschaDuncanissupposedtobeanexcellentshieldtechnician—herecommendedItalktoher,seeifshecanfigureoutwhat’sbehindtheregenerationofmyshields.”Liftingherselfupalittle,shepressedherlipstothetinyscaronhischeek,theonesheseemedtolove.
Itmadehisheartsmileeachtimeshedidthat.Eventoday,now,hefeltloved,adored.
“Butwecandiscussallthatlater,”Sophiamurmured.“Opentheenvelope.”
Removinghisarmfromaroundher,hedrewinthevanillaandlavenderscentofherandslitopenthepaper.
He’dopenedsomanyenvelopessincehebeganthissearch,becomesousedtodisappointmentthatittookhimalmostaminutetorealizewhatheheldinhishand.Lettingtheotherpiecesofmailfalltothecarpet,heranhishandoverthecrispwhitepaperofthesinglepiecehestillheld.“Seethat?”hesaid,rubbinghisthumbovertheemblemonthetopleft-handcorner.
Sophiabentherhead.“It’sfromtheDepartmentofJustice.”
“Bart,”heclarified.“Iaskedhimforafavor.”Itcould’vegottentheothermanfired,buttheprosecutorhadaskedonlythequestionsheneededtogettheanswer.
Sophiatookalongbreath,letitout.“YouaskedhimtorunyourDNAagainstthecentralJusticecriminaldatabase.”
Hewasn’ttheleastsurprisedthatshe’dguessed.“Itwasalogicalstep,givenoursocioeconomiccircumstances,thehistoryoftheothermenintheareaatthetime.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Andit’sastepIavoidedforahellofalongtime.”
“That’sunderstandable,”Sophiasaid,shiftingtoakneelingpositionbesidehimonthesofa,herfingersstrokingthroughhishair.“You’reacop.You’vededicatedyourlifetoupholdingthelaw—discoveringthatyourfatherwasacriminalwhobrokethosesamelawswillbeablow.”Herwordswerecalm,practical.“ButMax”—hertonechanged,gentled,hereyesshining—“itwillalternothingaboutthemanyouare,themanyou’vemadeyourself.”
Heslidonearmaroundherwaist,histhroatthick.“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”Herforeheadtouchinghisintenderaffection,herhandscuppinghisface.“You’retheonewhotaughtmethatlifeisn’tpredestined.Wearewhowemakeourselves.”
Herfaithinhimtorehimwideopen,reformedhimabetterman.“Openitforme.”
Sophiatooktheenvelope,abletobestrongforhercop,togivehimwhatheneeded.Slidingherfingerundertheflap,sheslititopentoremovetwopiecesofpaper.Thefirstwasclosedaroundthesecond—whichprovedtobeanautomaticallysealedprintoutwithserratededgeswhichcouldbepulledaparttorevealwhatlaywithin.Thefirstwasahandwrittennote.
“Max,”shereadout,“asfarasthecomputersareconcerned,thisscanwasneverdone.Idon’tknowtheresults.Neitherdoesthecomputertech.Werequestedthattheresultsbeprintedautomaticallysealed.Ihopeyoufindwhatyou’relookingfor.”ItwassignedwithReuben’sname.Butbelowthatwasanotherline—“P.S.Aman’sfatherdoesn’tmaketheman.Ifitdid,I’dbeaself-servingSOBwiththreewivesandaninabilitytobefaithfultoanyofthem.”Sophiaputdowntheletter,hercuriosityawildthing.“Iassumehemeansthreeconsecutivewives?”
“Nope.”Athergasp,hislipscurved.“Bart’sfatherfoundedhisownreligion.”
“AndhowmanywivesdoesBarthave?”
“He’sbeenmarriedtoTasmasincetheywereinlawschool.Gotfourbratstheylovelikecrazy.”
Sophiasmiled.“So.”
“So.”
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
Shebroketheserratededgesbutheldtheletterclosed.“Youshouldseeitfirst.”Passingitover,shewaitedashereadit,thenputitonthecoffeetable.Nothinghappenedforthenextfewseconds…untilMaxgaveashudderingsighanddroppedhishead,thrustinghishandsthroughhishair.
Worrytorethroughher…untilheliftedhiseyes.Reliefshoneabeaconofsunlightthroughhisirises.“Max?”
“Ialwaysthought,”hesaid,hisvoiceroughwithemotion,“thattherewassomethingwrongwithmethatmymothercouldn’tloveme.ShecouldloveRiver,andIthinksheevenlovedsomeofthemenshebroughthome.Butnotme,neverme.”
Sophia’seyeswenttotheenvelope,herbrainmakingconnectionsoutoftheexperiencesofalifetimespentinJustice.“Whowasyourfather,Max?”
“Hisnameisn’timportant,”Maxsaid,andshesawthattohim,ittrulywasn’t.“Butwhathedidtoher…Herapedher,wasconvictedofit,diedinaprisonfight.”Ashort,brutalsummary.Maxshookhishead.“TheonlythingIdon’tunderstandiswhyshekeptme.”
Sophia’shandclenchedonhisthigh.Lookingup,hesaweyeshugewithconcern,withempathy.“Ah,Sophie.”Pullingherintohislap,henuzzledhisfaceintothesweetcurveofherneckasshewrappedherarmsaroundhim.“I’mnotinshock.”Partofhim,somewheredeepinside,hadguessedthetruthalongtimeago.“NowthatIknowwhyshecouldn’tloveme,Icanforgiveherforit.”
“You’reabetterpersonthanIam,”Sophiasaid,herangerasteelflame.“Youwereachild.”
Maxsmiled,holdinghertight,thiswomanwhowouldfightforhim.“ButI’vebecomeaman.”Lookingback,hecouldfeelonlypityandsorrowforthetormented,hauntedwomanwho’dbeenhismother.“AndI’mamanwhoisloved.Wholovestothedepthsofhissoul.”
TherewasnowayinhellhewaseverlettinganyonetakeSophieawayfromhim.Shewashis.TheJusticeCorpswouldhavetojustfuckinggetusedtothat.“Baby,”hesaid,turninghisrelentlesswilltohowtoensurenoonewouldeverdarecomebetweenhimandhisJ,“weneedaplan.”
Sophia’seyesgleamed.“Ihaveanidea.”CHAPTER45
NikitaenteredthementalvaultoftheCouncilchambersknowingthatwhatshewasabouttodowouldchangethecourseofPsyhistory.Whethershe’dcomeoutofthechangealive,timealonewouldtell.
Kalebenteredwithher,MingLeBoncominginjustafter.
“You’rewell?”sheasked.
ThemilitarilyinclinedCouncilordidn’tgivemuchaway.“Yes.”
TheystoppedspeakingasHenryandShoshannaScottentered,followedbyTatianaRika-SmytheandAnthonyKyriakusinshortorder.
“Nikita,”ShoshannaScottsaidassoonasthepsychicdoorsclosed,“isthisabouttheproblemsyou’vebeenhaving?”
“Yes,”Nikitasaid.“ThespecialistsIhiredwereabletotracktheassassinationstoaPurePsyzealot.”
“Iwouldn’ttermthemembersofPurePsyzealots.”Henry,joiningintheconversation.
“Oh?”Nikitahadplayedenoughgames.“Thedictionarydefinitionofzealotryis‘fanaticalpartisanship.’I’dsayPurePsyfitsthedefinition.”
MingLeBonwastheonewhospokenext,andhiswordswerenothingNikitahadexpected.“I,too,havebecomeconcernedaboutthedirectionofPurePsy.”
“TheyseekonlytoprotectourSilence,”Henrysaid.“Thereisnothingofconcerninthat…notunlessyouwishtoprotectthosewhoareflawed.”
Nikitaignoredthepointedreferencetoherdaughter,focusingonMinginstead
“However,”Mingcontinued,“thatgoalisnowbeinginterlockedwithanoticeablyracialagenda.PurePsyhasbeguntoseetheotherracesas‘unclean’forwantofabetterword.It’sindisputablethatNikitawastargetedbecauseshehasstrongbusinesstieswiththechangelings.”
Well,Kaleb’svoicewhisperedinNikita’smind,itseemsthiswillmakestrangebedfellowsoutofusall.
Hemayhaveanulteriormotive,Nikitareplied.Letuswaitandsee.
“Keepingourpeopleapartfromtheotherraces,”Henrysaid,“isnottheworstofchoices.Ifwecouldachieveisolation,ourSilencewouldsoonbepristine.”
“Ifyoubelievethat”—AnthonyKyriakus’scool,consideredvoice—“thenyou’reafool.”
Shoshanna’sripostewasquick.“It’sonlytheweakermembersofourpopulacewhoarepronetobreaksfromconditioning—”
“Sonowyou’lladdtwocardinalsandagiftedscientisttothatlist?”Anthony’squestionwasmeasured,nolesslethalforitsabsolutecalm.“It’stimewefaceduptothefacts.Silenceisbeginningtocrumbleatfarmorethanjusttheedges,andifwedon’tmakeachoiceonhowtohandleit,weriskanuncontrollablebreakdown.”
“Surely,”TatianaRika-Smythesaid,enteringtheconversationforthefirsttime,“it’snotthaturgent.Yes,therehavebeenincidents,butnothingtosuggestaNet-wideemergency.”
Ming’smindswirledanicyrazor.“ImadenoteofanincidentattheSunshineminingstationseveralmonthsago.”
“Themasspsychoticoutbreak?”Nikitaclarified,nothavingbeenimmediatelyinvolvedwiththesituation.Accordingtothedatashequicklyaccessed,theepisodehadresultedinoverahundredfatalities.
“Yes.Itseemedanaberrationatthetime,butinthepastthreedays,we’vehadanothermassincidentataremotesciencestationontheRussiansteppes.”
“Howmanydead?”Kaleb,speakingaloudforthefirsttime.
“Threehundred,”wastheresponse.“Andofthefiftysurvivors,atleastthirtyarecandidatesfortotalrehabilitation.Theirmindsarebroken.”
Therewasamoment’ssilenceastheydigestedthat.Nikitadecidedtospeakfirst,drawalineinthesand.“Wecan’tjustkeeprehabilitatingpeople.It’sakintoputtingyourfingerinadykewhenthedamhasburst.”
“Rehabilitationiskey,”Henryargued.“Itwillremovetheunstablepartofthepopulace—”
“Howmany?”Nikitaasked,holdingherownSilence,holdingthecoldthathadbeenconditionedintoherasachild—acoldsodeepandtruethatnothingwouldeverthawit.“Stoppingwhenallourpeoplearedeadseemsratherpointless.”
“Amelodramaticstatement,”Tatianaresponded.“It’sstillaminoritywhoareexperiencingproblems,andyousaidyourselfthatmoreandmorepeoplearegettingthemselvesvoluntarilyreconditioned,sothesituationwillcorrectitself.”
“Astothat,”Anthonysaid,“itseemsyouhaven’tbeenreadingyourreports,Councilor.”
Shoshannaspokeintothesilence.“Anthony?”
“There’sbeenamarkeddeclineinthenumberofindividualschoosingtohavetheirconditioningcheckedoverthepasttwomonths.”
“Howisthatpossible?”Henryasked.“I’vebeenkeptupdatedonallthenumbers.”
“Eithersomeoneislyingtoyou,”Nikitasaid,“oryoumisinterpretedthedata.Thefactis,theNetisbuzzingwithnewwhispersofdissent—”
“TheGhost,”Shoshannainterrupted,referringtothemostinfamousinsurgentinthePsyNet.“He’sbeenspreadinghisbrandofrebellion.”
“No,”Nikitasaid,“hesimplypointedoutthetruth—thattheviolencethatbeganthereconditioningswasplanned,thatthepopulacewasbeingshepherdedtowardtheCenter.EvenPsy,itseems,donotlikebeingsoopenlymanipulated.”Intruth,thathadcomeasanunexpectedrealization.Nikitahadbeguntoseetheirpeopleastheherdofsheepthey’dbeenforsolong.Butthetideswereshifting.AndNikitadidnotintendtodrown.
Therewasamomentofsilence,andsheknewtelepathicmessageswerebeingexchanged,datascannedasherclaimswereverified.
“Silence,”Henryfinallysaid,“cannotfall.”
“Itis,”Tatianaadded,“thebedrockofourstability.”
“Agreed.”Shoshanna’svoice.
“Thatstabilityisfailing,”Mingsaid.“Thereisnowaytohaltthemomentumnow.”
“Thenitmaybetime,”Anthonymurmured,“forSilencetofall.”
“No.”Threevoices.
Mingsaidnothing.
“Thisisn’tadecisionwecanmakeinasingleday,”Kalebsaid,“whereverwestand.ButPurePsyisaproblemthatneedstobeeliminated.Theiractionsareonlymuddyingtheissue.”
“PurePsyiscomposedofthosewhosupportSilence,”Henrysaid.“Ifyou’resuggestingtakingthemoutoftheequation,that’sunacceptable.”
“Areyousayingthey’reunderyourprotection?”Nikitaasked.
“Yes.”
“Andactingunderyourorders?”
Therewasaheavypause,asHenryrealizedwhathisanswerwouldreveal.Theyallknew,ofcourse,thathe’dbeentheonepullingQuentinGareth’sstrings—atleastforthepasthalfyear—butforhimtoadmititwasadifferentmatter.
Shoshanna“saved”herhusband.“PurePsyhasitsownsetofprinciples.ThatHenryhappenstoagreewiththemisnocausetolabelhimaconspiratorintheirattacksagainstyou,Nikita.”
Sowifely.ThelowmurmurofKaleb’stelepathictonewasfilledwithnothing,soemptythatNikitawonderedwhatshewasdoingallyingherselfwithhim.Butinapitfullofvipers,hewasatleastoneshepartiallyunderstood.
She’stiedhersailtohis,Nikitaresponded.Ifhefalls,sodoesshe.
Tatianaiswiththem.
Nikitaagreed.Mingisambivalent.
Anthonywillstandwithus—hehastoomanybusinessintereststiedupwiththeotherraces.
Nikitadidn’tmentiontheconversationsshe’dhadwithAnthony.
Andyou,sheaskedthemostdangerousTkintheNet.Whatisyourtrueallegiance?
That,youwillhavetowaitandsee.
“Itseemsweareatanimpasse.”Anthony’sintelligentvoice.“Itwouldbebest,”hesaidtoHenry,“ifyoumadeitcleartoPurePsythattheirambitionsofacoupd’etatwouldbebettertobeswiftlysurrendered.”
“Andinformanymembersinmycity,”Nikitasaid,“thattheyhaveuntiltheendofthismeetingtoleave.OrI’lleliminatethemmyself.”She’dkilled.Manytimes.Andshe’ddosoagain.Self-interest,shetoldherself.IthadnothingtodowiththefactthatPurePsyhadtriedtotargetherdaughter,herunborngrandchild.
“Onemorething—Henry?”shesaid,focusingontheotherCouncilor.Shehadathousandstrainsofvirusesinherhead.Oneofthem,shethought,wouldpenetratehisshields.Andshe’dfindit,nomatterhowlongittook.“Thenexttimeyoudecideoneofmypeopleisflawedandorderarehabilitationwithoutmyconsent,Imightnotactinsocivilizedafashion.Infact,itmightbebetterforyour…healthifyoudidn’tsetfootinmyterritoryagain.”
“WhatofyourpetJ?”Tatianaasked,hertonesilkysmooth.“Thereissomethingseverelywrongwithher.Hershieldisnothingordinary.”
“Isbeingextraordinarynowacrime?”NikitahadsurvivedintheCouncilfarlongerthanTatiana.Iftheyoungerwomanhadforgottenthat,she’dgetalethalsurpriseonequietday,whenshethoughtherselfsafe.“Sheisoneofmypeople—justlikeeveryotherPsywithinmyterritorialborders.”Theimplicationwasclear.
“So.”Shoshanna.“You’reprotectingthebrokenonesnow.Isupposebloodwilltell.”
Nikitadidn’tengagewiththeCouncilorwho’dmadethefataldecisiontostandbyHenry.“I’vesaidwhatIhavetosay.”
Themeetingendedlessthanaminutelater.Nothingseemedtohavebeenresolved,butNikitaknewthatwasathinlyveiledfantasy.
TheCouncilhadsplitintwo.
KalebhadattendedthemeetingstandingonthedeckofhisMoscowhome.Now,heturnedtogobackinside,toconsiderhisnextmove—andtoreturnMaxShannon’scall,themessagehavingcomeinjustasthemeetingbegan.
Thatwasbeforehesawthepackagesittinginthecenterofhisdesk.
Ithadn’tbeentherewhenhe’dwalkedoutontothedeck.
Onlyonegroupofpeoplehadtheskilltohavebreachedhisinternalsecuritywithoutsettingoffthealarms.
Pickingupasilverletteropenerhe’dbeengivenbyahumanbusinessassociate,heslititopen.Itheldawoodenbox.Thatboxcontainedapristinepatch,suchasmightgoonauniform.Thepatchboretheimageoftwosnakesincombat—CouncilorMingLeBon’spersonalemblem.Butpiercingthefabricwasasmall,perfectlyformedblackarrow.
TheArrowSquad,itseemed,haddecidedtoterminatetheirallegiancetoMing.
Kalebdidn’tmakethemistakeofthinkingthatallegiancehadnowshiftedtohim.No,thiswasawarningandaninvitationinone.RemovingtheArrow,heplaceditonhisdesk.Thenheputthepatchbackinthebox,andteleportedwithittoanextremelysecurelocation,’portingoutalmostassoonashearrived.
TwoArrowsglancedupatonceattheslightsoundofsomethingsettlingonthetabletotheirright,atablethatexisteddeepwithintheArrowSquad’sCentralCommand,andwasknownonlytootherArrows.Neithermansaidaword,buttheybeganworkingasonetodismantletheboxanddestroythepatch.
TherewouldbenoevidenceforMingtofind,notuntilitwastoolate.CHAPTER46
Dreamofme.
—HandwrittennotefromMaxtoSophia
SophiasatacrossfromNikita,consciousofMax’srestlesspresenceontheothersideofthedoor.Threedayshadpassedsincehe’dfoundoutabouthisfather,sincethey’dmadetheirplan,andMaxhadspentmostofthoseseventy-twohoursindifferentpartsofthecountry,talkingface-to-facewithparentswhoselostdaughterswerenowbeingfound,thankstothecoordinatesKalebKrychekhadrippedfromGerardBonner’sdyingmind.
“I’mnotleavingyoualone,”he’dsaidaftertheinformationcamethrough.
Sophiahadshakenherhead.“YourfriendsinDarkRiverwillwatchoverme.GoMax,theyholdapieceofyourheart,eachandeveryone.”Andthatwasokaywithher,morethanokay.Maxrememberedthoselostgirls,wouldalwaysremember.“Goandtelltheirfamiliesthey’recominghome.It’simportant.”
Hiseyeshadfilledwithanangryprotectivenessevenashenodded,andshe’dknownhe’dheardtheechooftheeight-year-oldgirlshe’doncebeen.Asaresult,she’dspentthepastseventy-twohourswithachangelinginherlivingspace—Desireewassmartandfunny,Clayquiet,andVaughnstillmadeeveryhaironherbodyrise.ItwasaswellthatFaithhadcomewithhermate.
Sophia’sownmate,herMax,hadreturnedexhaustedanhourago,withthenewsthatwhilehe’dbeengettinginoftenpainfulpersonaltouchwiththeparentsandrelativesofthevictims,theforensicteamshadlocatedeachandeverygirl.“It’lltakeweekstofullyprocessthescenes,buttheremainsareinthemorgue,”he’dtoldher.“I’llgobackwhentheparentshavetocomeintopickuptheirgirls,buteveryone’sholdingontofamilyrightnow.Theydon’tneedme—youdo.”
Sonow,dog-tiredbutdetermined,hestoodoutsidethedoorwhileshesatadangerouslyshortdistanceawayfromawomanwhohadtheabilitytokillwithoutremorse,withoutpity.ButNikitaDuncanwasalsoawomanwhounderstoodbusiness,understoodhowtoweighcostsagainstbenefits.Sophiamethergaze.“Ineedajob.”
“You’reaJ.”
“Jshaveveryshortlifespans.”
Almond-shapedeyesfilledwithspeculation.“Iammissingseveraladvisorsasyou’reaware,butunlikeDetectiveShannon,youhavenoskillsIcanutilize.”
“IhavecontactsacrosstheNet.”Jssaweverything.Andtheytalkedtoeachother,becauseonlyanotherJunderstoodthebrokenpieceswithinthem.“AsthesituationwithQuentinGarethproved,youhaveacriticalgapinyourorganization.Icanfillalargepartofit,organizeateamthatwillroundouttheotheraspects.”
Nikitaleanedbackinherchair.“IsDetectiveShannonpartofthedeal?”
“No.”SophiaheldtheCouncilor’sgaze.“Tobequiteblunt,youdon’twanthimworkingforyouifhedoesn’twanttobehere.”
“No.”Nikitawassilentforseveralminutes.“Canyoubediscreetaboutyourunorthodoxrelationshipwithhim?”
ShockheldSophiasilentforseveralseconds.Scramblingtomakesenseofthequestion,shedecidedtoaltertheplanandtakethebiggestgambleofherlife,onethatcouldputherbackontherehabilitationwatchlist.“Yes,inpublic.However,Iplantomarryhim.”
Again,Nikitadidn’treactaspredicted.“Doitinprivate,filethelegalpaperworkthroughtheslowestcourtsystemyoucanfind—asaJ,youshouldknowpreciselywhichonewillfitthedefinition.UndernocircumstancecananythingyouexperienceleakoutintotheNet.Ifitdoes,theArrowswillstrike.”
“Myshieldsareimpregnable.”SophialookedattheCouncilor,suddenlyawarethatshehadmoreofacapacitytounderstandthispowerfulwomanthanmost.ThedarknessinherrecognizedthesameinNikita.“What’shappening?”
“Change.”Nikitarosetoherfeet,walkedtotheplate-glasswallthatlookedoutoverthecity.“Butchangetakestime,andalwaysclaimsvictims.”
Sophiawouldn’teveragainbeavictim.“Iwillneverlikeyou,”shesaidtotheCouncilor’sback.“ButIwillneverlietoyoueither.Ithinkyoucoulddowithanadvisorwho’snotafraidofyou.”
“NormalPsydonotfeel.”
Sophiasaidnothing.Notonthat.“I’vethoughtandthoughtaboutwhyyoumight’veaskedformeonthisassignment,andIcanonlycomeupwithoneanswer.”AnditwasananswerbeyondSilence,ananswertodowithmothersanddaughters,redemptionandforgiveness.“ButIcan’tmakemyselfbelieveit.Notofyou.”
Nikitatookfivelongminutestorespond.“Pickupthestandardemploymentcontractonyourwayout.AndMs.Russo?”
“Yes?”
“Youshouldbescaredofme.”
“Perhaps.”Sophiarose.“Butonceyou’veseenwhatIhave,onceyou’velivedintheabyssforthatlong,fearbecomesnothingbutanothercage.”Thenshewalkedoutandintothearmsofacopwhowaitedonlyuntilthey’dclosedthedoortohisapartmentbehindthembeforecrushingherintohisarmsandtakinghermouthinakissthatdemanded
Shefeltthelingeringpaininhim,theheavysorrowofallthosefamilies,andgavehimwhatheneeded.Everything.
Herippedopenherjacket,shovedupherskirtwithrough,hungryhandsthatlickedfireacrossherskin.“Stopme,Sophie.”Aharshwhisper.“Idon’twanttohurtyou.”
“It’sokay.”Shepushedoffhisownshirt,baringthesleeklymuscularbeautyofhischest.“ImissedyouuntilIcouldn’tbreathe.Comeinsideme.”
Herpantiesweretornoffher,hisfingersurgentashetestedherslickness.Liftingaleg,shewrappeditaroundhiship.Heswore,loweredthezipperonhispants,andthenthehot,hardheatofhimwasthrustingintoher,pinningheragainstthewall.Shecriedout,holdingon,holdinghimtight.
Thepleasurewasafirestormthaterasedthepain,wipedawaythesorrow,leftherlimp,hisfaceburiedinherneckasthatmuscularbackgleamedwithperspiration.“Hello,myMax,”shewhispered.
“Hello,mysweet,sexySophie.”
Laterthatday,afterthey’dspentmostofittangledupskintoskin,sleepingandlovingandholdingeachother,Sophiatookadeepbreath.“Ididsomein-depthinvestigationofmynewshieldswhileyouwereaway—IthinkIknowtheirorigin.”
Hercopstrokedherhairoffherface,hisexpressionintent.“Tellme.”
“PartofthisisbecauseI’mananchor,butpartofitisbecausemymindis…unique.”Ithadsurvivedbydoingtheextraordinary.“YouknowabouttheNetMind?”
“I’veheardrumorsit’ssomekindofpsychicentitythatorganizestheNet.”
“Yes.Thethingis,there’saDarkMind,too.”She’dsearched,dugdeeptofindconfirmationofhersuspicions.“It’smadeupofalltheemotionsmyracehasrejected,andit’ssoangry,soscared,andsovery,verylonely.Ithink…it’salsoalittleinsane.”
Maxdidn’taskwhatothersmighthave.Heaskedonlythecriticalquestion.“ThisDarkMindisprotectingyou?”
“Theybothareinasense.”Shetookashakybreath,swallowed.“AtfirstIthoughtmyshieldswereapsychicextensionoftheNet,thatforsomereason,theTwin-Mindshaddecidedtolookafterme,butwhilethatmadesensewithmyNetshields,itdidn’texplainmytelepathicprotections—thosehavetocomefromwithin.ThenIrealizedit’sme.”Shehesitated.
“It’sokay,sweetheart.”Akissonherforehead,armsthatheldherclose.“Nomatterwhat,you’restillmySophie,stillmyJ.”
Herheartsettled,quiet,content.“Iamaliving,breathingextensionoftheNet,Max.”Thetendrilssnakedthroughhermind,finethreads,andnotthedarkalone.Thelightwasthere,too,simplylessobvioustothecasualeye.“I’mnotjustananchoranylonger—I’vebecomesomekindofafocus.”
Twohourslater,shesharedthetruthabouthershieldswithSaschaDuncanoverasecurecommlink.Theempath’sfaceheldnorejection,onlyconcern.“ButSophie,theNetisgoingmad.Ifit’sinsideyouonthatlevel…”
“There’shope,Sascha.”Ablinding,beautifulhope.“AstheNetpassesthroughmyanchorpoint,thelightandthedarkcometogetherifonlyforafractionofasecond.”
ComprehensiondawnedinafractureofcolorinSascha’scardinaleyes.“Andforthatinstant,they’resane?”
“Yes.”Herthroatlocked.“Imaybethesoleanchorwhocangivethemthatpeace.Andthat’snotright.”Becauseoutsideofthetinyoasisofhermind,theNetwasgoinginexorablymad,adarkrotseepingthroughitsveryfabric—partsofthePsyNetwerealreadydead,placeswhereneithertheDarkMindnortheNetMindcouldgo.
Sascha’sowneyesshonewet.“No,theyshould’veneverbeensplitintwo,buttheirsentienceisformedandshapedbytheNet.Theycan’t,won’tmergeuntilSilencefalls.”
Andthat,theybothknew,mighttakeaneternity…andawarthatcoulddevastatetheirworld.“Thingsarechanging,”Sophiawhispered,holdingtheempath’sgaze.TheNetMindlovedSascha.TheDarkMindknewtheempathcouldgivethemsomething,butitdidn’tknowhowtoshapeitsrequest,howtoevenconveyitspainfulneed.“You’vefeltit.”
“Yes.”Asolemngaze,butitheldhope,thedeterminationofaPsywillingtofightforherpeople.“Areyousureyou’resafe,Sophia?”Somuchcare,theempath’shugeheartthereinthetimbreofhervoice,ineverypartofher.
Atthatmoment,Sophiaunderstoodsomeofwhatthecrippled,voicelessDarkMindwastryingtotellher,understoodthattheEshadtobereawakenediftheNetwastosurvive.
“Iunderstandwhyitdoeswhatitdoes,”Saschacontinued,sorrowerasingthestarsinhereyes,“buttheDark-Mind’sneedforvengeancehaspushedittospawnterriblecrimes.”
SophiawrappedherarmsaroundMax’swaist,layingherearagainstthesolidpulseofhisheartbeat,thewarmthofhimherownpersonalanchor.“Inmymind,they’reone.”Theywerewhole.Asshewasfinallywhole.
“Theybalanceeachother.”Sascha’svoiceturnedsoft,thoughtful.“Yes,ofcourse.”
“And…IaccepttheDarkMind,”Sophiasaid,hidingnothingofwhoshewas,thedarknessthathadshapedher.“Ithasnoneedtoscream,noneedtofighttobeknown,toberemembered.”Shewouldnevershutitaway,neverforceittobeSilent.
Justlikehercophadneveraskedhertobeanythingbutwhatshewas—aflawed,scarredJ.Liftingherhead,shereachedupandpressedakissoverthatscaronhischeek,uncaringoftheiraudience.Thankinghim.Adoringhim.
“Iknow,”hewhispered,hisarmsholdinghertight.“Iknow,baby.”
Itwasallsheneededtohear.EPILOGUE
I’msorry,Max.Pleasedon’tbemad.Ijustcan’tbehereanymore.
—HandwrittennotefromRiverShannontoMaxShannon
Sophiahadneverfeltmorecontentthanshedidatthatmoment,lyingintheloosecircleofMax’sarmsastheysatinbedwatchingtheentertainmentscreen.Theshowwasn’timportant—itwasbackground.ButthewarmthofMax,thescentofhim,theknowledgethatnoonecouldeverstealthisfromhernow…itwasanalmostvicioushappiness.
Maxrubbedhischinonherhair.“Icantellwhenyou’rethinking.”
“Areyousureyou’renotPsy?”Akisspressedtothegolden-brownskinunderhercheek.Hewasonlywearingapairofboxers,whileshe’dpulledonatanktopandapairofpajamabottomswithdancingpenguinsonthem.
Max’sfingersmassagedthebackofherneckinanabsentcaress.“Onehundredpercentprimitivehuman.”
Tappingherfistagainstthehardnessofhisbareabdomen,shereacheduptopressakissagainsthisjaw.“Ilikeyouprimitive.”
Hetookhermouth,stoleherbreath.Andwhenhereleasedher,hesaid,“Iknewyouwantedmeformybody.”
“Thatandyoursalary.”Smiling,shetumbledhimontothesheetsuntilshestraddledhim,herelbowsbracedoneithersideofhishead.“AreyougoingtotakethejobNikitaoffered?”
“ItgivesmehivestothinkaboutworkingforaCouncilor.”Hescowled,hishandsshapingoverherhips.Lower.“ButthenIthinkaboutallthesecretsIcouldlearn,alltheothercopsIcouldhelpwiththecontactsI’dmake,theaccessI’dhave.”
Sophiashiveredatthewayhestrokedher,decidedshe’dhavetogethiminfrontofamirrortoday.Thefantasywasdrivinghertodelirium.“I’vealreadysoldmysoul”—thatgotheragrin,andshehadtokisshisdimplethen—“soIhavelittlecredibility,butNikitaseemstobebetterthansome.”
“Notsayingmuch.”
“No.”Sheranonehanddownoverhischest,lovingthefactthatshecouldadorehimatherleisure,withoutworry,withoutfear.AslongasnothingleakedoutintotheNet,noonewouldcomehunting—notinNikita’sterritory.“Max,doyoumindthatwehavetocontinuetobecareful?”Whateverchangewashappening,itwasaslow,secretthing.
“Ialmostlostyoutototalrehabilitation,”hesaid,histonesomber.“Comparedtothat,alittlediscretionisnothing.And”—aMaxsmile—“youknowitturnsmeonwhenyou’reallprimandproperinpublic.Ijustwanttotakeyouhomeandstripyounaked,teachyouwicked,wickedthings.”Possessivehandsshapingherfleshwithsensualintent.
“Ohyeah?”Shebegantoslideherhandsouth.“Maybe—”
Thedoorbellchimed,interruptingMax’sgroanofanticipation.
Hescowledwhenshelookedup.“Ignoreit.It’sprobablyNikita’shenchmencometomakesureI’mgiving‘dueconsideration’toheroffer.”
“Asifyou’llmakeanydecisionbuttheoneyouwant.”Shepushedhim.“Goanswerthedoor.Theywon’tgoawayuntilyoudo.”
Ablacklookonhisface,Maxgotupandpulledonhisjeans,thetattooonhisbackstunning.And,Sophiathought,itwasn’tonlybecausehe’dhadhernamewrittenontheblade.“Iloveyou,Cop.”
Heturnedtonipatherlowerlip.“Good’causeyou’vegotlifewithnopossibilitywhatsoeverofparole.”Then,barefootandwithsleep-tumbledhair,hewalkedout.Sheknewhe’ddoneitonpurpose—toirritateanyassistantsNikitahadsent.
Gettingoutherself,shepulledonathickterryclothrobeandbegantobrushherhair.“Shallwegoseewhoitis?”sheaskedMorpheus,whowassnakingaroundherankles.
Asifheunderstood,hepaddedover,withherfollowing.
Herhandstoppedinmidstrokewhenshesawthemaninthedoorway.
Maxgrippedthedoorjamb,hisknucklesgoingwhite.“Howdidyougetpastsecurity?”Itwasthefirstquestionthatcameout,thelastthinghecaredabout.
Theblondmaninthecorridorclaspedthewristofonehandwiththeother.“ItoldthemwhoIwasatthedesk,andtheysaidIwasonthelist.So…I…”Heswallowed.“Didyouknow?Imean,shouldIgo?Ithought—”
Reachingout,Maxgrabbedhisyoungerbrotherinabone-crushingembrace.“Youfuckingidiot.Ifyoutrytorunoffthistime,I’mdumpingyourassinjail.”
River’sarmslockedaroundhim.Maxfeltdampnessagainsthisskin,hadtoblinkhisowneyes,swallowtheknotinhisthroat.Raisingahandafteralong,longtime,hemessedupthehaironthebackofRiver’shead.“Wherehaveyoubeen,kid?”
Rivergaveasheepishgrinastheydrewapart.“Gettingmyshittogether.”
“Youcouldn’tdothatwithoutdisappearing?”
Riverdroppedhishead,shovinghishandsintothebackpocketsofhisjeans.ItmadeMaxgrin,hisheartfulltooverflowing.Heknewthisman,grownthoughhemightbe.
“Max?”Sophia’sgentlevoice.“Areyougoingtoinvitehiminorinterrogatehimonthedoorstep?”
River’seyeswidenedashelaidthemonSophia.“Wow,Max,whatdidyoutellhertogethertoletyouinthedoor?”
Maxcuffedhisbrothergood-naturedlyontheearasRiverslidinpasthimandbenttokissSophiaonthecheek.“Hello,areyousureyou’rewiththerightbrother?”
Sophiahadneverhadayoungersibling.Butthismanwithhislaughingeyesandbrightsmile…“Areyoumakingmeanoffer?”
“Iwould”—awhisper—“butMaxalwayswasalittlepossessive.”
Max’sarmcamearoundherwaist,heavy,warm,real.“Don’tyouforgetit.”
RiverlookedupatMaxashercopturnedtopresshislipstoSophia’stemple,andforaninstant,SophiasawthetruthofRiver’semotionslaidbare.Somuchlove,somuchneed,somuchpain.Max’sbrother,shethought,neededthem.“Welcomehome,River.”
Hisexpressionshiftedintoawarykindofhope.“Yeah?”ButhewaslookingatMax.
MaxreachedouttothumpafistonRiver’sshoulder.“You’restayingifIhavetotieyoutothefurniture.”
“Noneed,”Riversaid,dippinghisheadbutnotbeforeSophiasawthesheeninhiseyes,“justtiemetoyourSophia.”
“Ithink,”SophiasaidasMaxmock-scowled,“I’mgoingtolikehavingayoungerbrother.”Reachingout,sheslippedherarmintothecrookofRiver’selbow.“So,tellmeallofMax’ssecrets.”
Maxcurledhishandaroundhernape.“Heynow,noganginguponme.”
Riverlaughed,saidsomething.SodidMax,theheatofhisholdburningthroughtowarmeverypartofherasshelistenedtothejoybeneaththeirwords.
Home.
Finally,theywereallhome.
Fivethingshappenedlaterthatmonth.Allofthemmomentousinverydifferentways.
One:Maxdecidedthereweremedicineshecouldtakeforhives.
Two:CouncilorNikitaDuncanmetCouncilorAnthonyKyriakustodrawupaplantoprotecttheirterritoryagainstincursionsbyothersontheCouncil.
Three:SaschaDuncanmanagedtostopafightbetweentensix-year-oldchangelingleopardsusingherability—thoughshecouldn’tfigureouthowshe’ddoneit.
Four:CouncilorKalebKrychekfoundthebeginningsofatrailthatcouldonedayleadhimtohisquarry.
Andfive…MaxboughtSophiasomeverynaughtylingeriefortheirhoneymoon.TurnthepageforaspecialpreviewofNaliniSingh’snextPsy-Changelingnovel
PlayofPassion
ComingNovember2010fromBerkleySensation!
Indigowipedtherainoffherface,clearingitforasplitsecond,ifthat.Thetorrentialdownpourcontinuedwithrelentlessfury,slammingice-coldbulletsagainstherskinandturningthenightdarkoftheforestimpenetrable.Duckingherhead,shespokeintothewaterproofmicrophoneattachedtothesoddencollarofherblackT-shirt.“Doyouhavehiminyoursights?”
Thevoicethatcamebackwasdeep,familiar,andatthatinstant,lethallyfocused.“Northwest,halfamile.I’mcomingyourway.”
“Northwest,halfamile,”sherepeatedtoensuretheywerebothonthesamepage.Changelinghearingwasincrediblyacute,buttherainwassavage,drummingagainstherskulluntileventhehigh-techreceivershe’dtuckedintoherearbuzzedwithnoise.
“Indy,becareful.He’sfunctioningonthelevelofaferalwolf.”
Undernormalcircumstances,she’dhavesnarledathimforusingthatridiculousnickname.Tonight,shewastooworried.“Thatgoesdoubleforyou.Hehurtyouinthatfirsttangle.”
“It’sonlyafleshwound.I’mgoingquietnow.”
Slickingbackherhair,shetookadeepbreathofthewateryairandbegantostalktowardtheirprey.Herfellowhunterwasright—apincermaneuverwastheirbestbetfortakingJoshuadownwithoutdamage.Indigo’sgutclenched,painbloominginherheart.Shedidn’twanttohavetohurthim.Neitherdidthetrackerontheboy’strail—thereasonwhythebigger,strongerwolfhadbeeninjuredintheearlierclash.
Buthe’dhavetoiftheycouldn’tbringJoshuabackfromtheedge;theboywassolostinanguishandtormentthathe’dgivenintohiswolf.Andthewolf,youngandoutofcontrol,hadtakenthoseemotions,turnedthemintorage.Joshuawasnowathreattothepack.Buthewasalsotheirown.They’dbleed,they’ddrowninthisendlessrain,buttheywouldnotexecutehimuntilthey’dexhaustedeveryotheroption.
Abranchrakedacrosshercheekwhenshedidn’tmovefastenoughinthestormyweather.
Sharp.Iron.Blood.
Indigosworelowunderherbreath.Joshuawouldcatchherscentifshewasn’tcareful.Turningherfaceuptotherain,sheletitwashawaythebloodfromthecut.Butitwasstilltoobright,toounmistakableascent.Wincing—theirhealerwouldstripherhideforthis—shewenttotheearthandslatheredmudoverthesuperficialinjury.Thescentdulled,becamesoddenwithearth.
Itwoulddo.Joshuawassofargonethathewouldn’tdetectthesubtlescent.
“Whereareyou?”Itwasasoundlesswhisperasshestalkedthroughtherain-lashednight.Joshuahadn’ttakenalifeyet,hadn’tkilledormaimed.Hecouldbebroughtback—ifhispain,thevivid,overwhelmingpainofayoungmaleonthecuspofadulthood,allowedhimtoreturn.
Aslashingwind…bringingwithitthescentofherprey.Indigosteppedupherpace,trustingtheeyesofthewolfwhowasherotherhalf,itsvisionstrongerinthedark.Shewasgainingonthescentwhenawolf’senragedhowlsplittheair.
Growls,thesickeningclashofteeth,moreironintheair.
“No!”Pushingherspeedtodangerouslevels,shejumpedoverfallenlogsandnewlymadestreamsofmudandwaterwithoutreallyseeingthem,headingtowardthesceneofthefight.Ittookhermaybetwentysecondsandalifetime.
Lightningflashedtheinstantshereachedthesmallclearingwheretheyfought,andshesawthemframedagainsttheelectric-darksky,twochangelingsinfullwolfform,lockedincombat.Theyfelltotheearthasthelightningdied,butshecouldstillseethem,hereyestrackingwithlethalpurpose.
Thetracker—thehunter—wasbigger,hisnormallystunningsilver-coloredfursoddenalmostblack,butitwasthesmallerwolf,hispeltareddishhue,whowaswinning—becausethehunterwasholdingback,tryingnottokill.Awarethatherdrenchedclothingwouldmakestrippingdifficult,Indigoshiftedasshewas.Itwasasearingpainandanagonizingjoy,herclothesdisintegratingoffher,herbodyturningintoashoweroflightbeforeformingintoasleekwolfwithabodybuiltforrunning.
Shejumpedintothefightjustastheredwolf—Joshua—slashedalineintohisopponent’sside.Thebiggerwolfgrippedtheteenager’sneck.Hecould’vekilledthen,ashecouldhaveearlier,buthewasattemptingonlytosubdue.Joshuawastoofargonetolisten;hereachedout,tryingtogoforthehunter’sbelly.Teethbared,Indigoleapt.Herpawscamedownonthesmallerwolf,holdinghisstruggling,snarlingbodytotheearth.
Shedidn’tknowhowlongtheystoodthere,holdingtheviolentwolfdown,refusingtolethimgooverthatfinaldestructiveedge.Thehunter’seyesmethers.Abrilliantcopperinhiswolfform,theyweresounusual,she’dneverseenthelikeinanyotherwolf,changelingorferal.Sheglimpsedapiercingintelligenceinthatgaze,onethatmanypeoplemissedbecausehelaughedsoeasily,charmedwithsuchopenwickedness.
Mostdidn’tevenrealizehewasSnowDancer’stracker,abletotraceroguewolvesthroughsnow,wind,and,tonight,endlessrain.Andthoughitwasnottheirpracticetocallhimhunter,hewasthat,too,chargedwithexecutingthosetheycouldnotsave.ButJoshuaunderstoodwhoitwashefaced.Becausehewentsilentatlonglast,hisbodylimpbeneaththeirs.
Indigoreleasedhergripwithcare,buthedidn’tspringup,evenwhenthelargerwolfletgo.Worried,sheshiftedbackintohumanformbetweenoneinstantandthenext,herhairplasteredtohernakedback.Thetrackerstoodguardnexttoher,hisfurrubbingwetagainstherskin.
“Joshua,”shesaid,leaningdowntospeaktotheboy,determinedtobringhimbackfromhiswolf.“Yoursisterisalive.Wegothertotheinfirmaryintime.”
Norecognitioninthosedarkyelloweyes,butIndigowasn’taSnowDancerlieutenantbecauseshegaveupeasily.“She’saskingforyou,soyoubettersnapoutofitandgetup.”Sheputeveryounceofherdominanceinhernextcommand.“Rightnow.”
Ablinkfromthewolf,acockedhead.AsIndigowatched,heroseshakilytohisfeet.Whenshereachedforhim,heloweredhishead,whimpering.“Shh,”shesaid,grippinghismuzzleandstaringstraightintothosewolf-brighteyes.Hisgazeslidaway.Joshuawastooyoung,toosubmissiveincomparisontoherstrength,tochallengeherinthatway.
“I’mnotangry,”Indigosaid,ensuringheheardthetruthinherwords,inthewaysheheldhim—firm,butnotinagripthatwouldcausepain.“ButIneedyoutobecomehuman.”
Stillnoeye-contact.Butheheardher.Becausethenextinstant,theairfilledwithsparksoflightandasplitsecondafterthat,ayoungmalebarelypasthisfourteenthbirthdaywaskneelingnakedontheearth,hisfacedrawn.“Isshereallyokay?”Itwasarasp,thewolfinhisvoice.
“HaveIeverliedtoyou?”
“Iwasmeanttobewatchingher,exceptI—”
“Youweren’tatfault.”Sheputherfingersonhisjaw,anchoringhimwithtouch,withPack.“Itwasarockfall—nothingyoucould’vedone.She’sgotabrokenarm,twobrokenribs,andaprettycoolscaronhereyebrowthatshe’salreadyshowingofflikeapeacock.”
TherecitalofinjuriesseemedtostabilizeJoshua.“Thatsoundslikeher.”Awaveringsmile,aquick,waryglimpseupatherbeforehedroppedhisgaze.
Smiling—becauseifhewasscaredabouttheconsequencesofhisactions,hewasback—Indigogaveintoherreliefandnippedthepupsharplyontheear.Hecriedout.Thenburiedhisfaceinherneck.“I’msorry.”
Sheranherhanddownhisback.“It’sokay.Butifyoueverdothisagain,I’llstripyourhideanduseittomakenewsofacushions.Gotit?”
Anothershakysmile,aquicknod.“Iwanttogohome.”Heswallowed,turnedtolookatthetracker.“Thanksfornotkillingme.I’msorryImadeyoucomeoutintherain.”
ThehugewolfbesideIndigo,itstailraisedinagestureofdominance,closeditsverydangerousteetharoundtheboy’sthroat.Theboystayedimmobile,quiescent,untilthetrackerletgo.Apologyaccepted.
Makingafutileefforttoshaketherainfromherhair,Indigolookedattheboy.“Idon’twantyouturningwolfforoneweek.”Whenhelookedshattered,shetouchedhisshoulder.“It’snotpunishment.Youwenttooclosetotheedgetonight.Nousetakingchances.”
“Okay,yeah.”Apause,awhisperofshameinhiseyes.“Thewolf’sgettinghardtocontrol.LikeI’makidagain.”
That,Indigothought,explainedhisirrationalresponsetohissister’saccident.Shemadeamentalnotetokicksomeassontheheelsofthatthought.Adolescentsandyoungteensdidoccasionallyhavecontrolissues—Joshua’steachersshould’vepickedupthesigns.“Ithappenssometimes,”shesaidtotheboy,keepinghertonecalmandmatter-of-fact.“DidtomewhenIwasaroundyourage,soit’snothingtobeashamedof.Youcomedirectlytomeifyoufeelthewolftakingoveragain.”Sheshiftedintoherotherformashenodded,hisreliefobvious.
Thejourneyhometotheden—ahugenetworkoftunnelshiddendeepundergroundintheSierraNevadamountainsofCalifornia,outofsightofenemyeyes—wasquiet,therainlettingupabouttenminutesaftertheybegan.Ahumanmight’veslippedandfallenahundredtimesintheslipperyterrain,butthewolfwassure-footed,itspawsdesignedforincreasedstability,anditfoundtheeasiestrouteforJoshua.
Indigo,withthetrackertakingpositionbehindtheboy,herdedJoshuaallthewaytothewide-opendoorinthesideofwhatwouldotherwiseappeartobeasheerrockface—wherehisshakenmotherwaswaitingwithanotherwolf,asilver-goldonewitheyesofsuchpale,paleblue,theywerealmostice.
TheboyfelltohiskneesinfrontoftheSnowDanceralpha.
Indigoandthetrackerbackedaway,theirtaskscomplete.Thepupwassafe—andwouldbetakencareof.Now,theyneededtorunoffsomeofthestrainoftonight.She’dreallythoughtthey’dhavetokillJoshua.Theboyhadbeenallbutinsanewhenthey’dmanagedtocornerhimearlier.Glancingovertowardhercompanionatthememory—thelargerwolfhavingkeptpacewithease—sherealizedhewasbleeding.
Shecametoahaltwithasnarl.Hestoppedonlyasteplater,circlingbacktonudgehernosewithhis.Shiftingintohumanform,shebentoverhim,pushingbackherrain-wethair.“YouneedtoseeLara.”Theirhealerwouldbebetterabletocheckhiswounds,ensuretheyweren’tserious.
Thewolfnippedatherjaw,growlinglowinhisthroat.Shepushedhimaway.“Don’tmakemepullrankonyou.”Thoughtobehonest,shewasn’tsureshecould—andthatdisturbedbothwomanandwolf.Heoccupiedanoddspaceintheirhierarchy.Youngerthanher,hewasn’talieutenant,buthereporteddirectlyandonlytotheiralpha.Andastheirtracker,hisskillswerecriticaltothesafetyandwell-beingofthepack.
Anothergrowl,anothernip—thisoneonhershoulder.
Shenarrowedhereyes.“WatchitorI’llnipthatnoserightoff.”
Hemadeagrowlingsoundofdisagreement,hiscaninesflashing.
Reachingout,shetappedhimsharplyonthemuzzle.“We’reheadingbackrightnow.”
Colorunderherhands,thewolfwithfurthedistinctivecolorofsilver-birchbarkshiftingintoahumanwithlake-blueeyesandrain-slickhair.“Idon’tthinkso.”Hewasonherbeforesheknewit,cuppingherfaceinhishands,hismouthonhers.
Thecaresswashot,hard,aslammingfistthatheldhermotionless.Andthen…aninfernopunchingthroughherbody,makinghertangleherhandinthatthickbrownhair,tugbackhishead.“What,”shesaidonagaspingbreath,“areyoudoing?”
“Ithoughtit’dbeobvious.”Laughterinhiseyes,thelakesearedbysunshineashisthumbsstrokedoverhercheekbones.“Iwanttolickyouuprightnow.”
Shedidn’ttakeitpersonally.“You’rehighonadrenalinefromthehunt.”Pushingoffhishands,sheangledherhead.“Andlossofblood.”Itranaclean,water-dilutedlinedownhisside.“Youdefinitelyneedstitches.”
“No,Idon’t.”Hekissedheragain,pushingherdowntotheearth.
Thistime,shedidn’tbackawayatonce.Andgotthefullimpactofthekiss…andoftherigidarousalnudgingatthesensitivedipofherabdomen.Herheartbeataccelerated,startlingherenoughthatshebithardathislip.“It’scolddownhere.”Thoughthesnowhadmeltedawayinthispartoftherange,theSierraNevadaretainedthechillkissofwinterevenintheblushofspring.
Arepentantlook.Shefoundherselfontopaninstantlater.Stillbeingkissed.Groaningatthestubbornwolf—whocouldkisssoinsanelywellthatshewastemptedtolethimhaveatit—shepushedathisshoulders.“Getupbeforeyoudieofbloodloss,youlunatic.”
Ascowl.AndthenDrewkissedheragain