CIRI RAN HER fingers over the book covers that stood neatly on the bookshelf. They were all books on human organs or medical diaries.
She didn't like how tonight was going.
First, she had failed her mission, and had had her cover blown. Then she had joined forces with three guys she didn't even know. And now she was being attacked by the very man she had uncovered making deals with criminals.
She leaned against a bare piece of wall, crossing her arms over her chest. She could understand Brocklyn's motive perfectly. But some other things bothered her.
When they had first entered Roarke's house, Ace had moved into the lounge room, and as soon as he had seen Brocklyn, he'd thrown up a shield. He obviously knew that Brocklyn was dangerous, otherwise he would have mistaken him for a friend of Roarke's. How had he known who Brocklyn was?
They had met before. They'd have to, for him to be able to recognise him so easily. Then again, with his sewn mouth, no one could forget him.
But it had been dark, so Ace recognised his face. Where had they met?
She narrowed her eyes.
He was in league with Brocklyn. It was the only explaination. He had pretended to be afraid of him, had protected them all, to gain their trust.
And he was lying in the room, being nursed back to perfect health.
Ciri swore, pushing off the wall.
Roarke's head jerked up from where he sat on the chair.
"Where are you going?" he demanded.
"Outside," she said, making her way to the front door.
"Are you insane? There are two Speed Demons running around the house, waiting for us to come out. And you're just going to hand yourself over on a silver platter?"
"I'm invisible, remember?" Ciri said, making herself flicker in his view. "Besides, I can take care of myself."
Her right hand twisted around her katana handle.
"Stay indoors. Hide Rem and Ace from Abby's parents if you have to. Do not leave until I come back. I don't care what anyone says. Tie them up if you have to. Clear?"
Roarke nodded slowly as Ciri stepped outside.
CIRI KNOCKED ON the door again, eyes flickering attentively around for any signs of life.
The door opened a crack, and two brown eyes appeared.
"Ciri?" the boy said, surprised. She barged past him, and he shut the door behind her. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I have a problem," she said, turning to face him.
"Tell me."
She stared at him, his caramel brown eyes, his tousled blonde hair. Takoda had been a friend of hers since she had been eight, and despite his ability, she trusted him fully. He was a Pursuation Demon, able to make anyone believe him, whether he was lying or telling the truth.
"I screwed up a mission, and now the guy I was meant to kill is on my team. We're being chased by Brocklyn."
Takoda's eyes widened. "Brocklyn? Geez, how did he manage to find you?"
"Ace - the guy I'm supposed to kill - is who helped him. I think they're in league together. I need your help. I want them both dead, and I want it done soon."
"Why can't you just kill him?"
"He's a Shield Demon, and he has a friend with him who's a Strength Demon. Brocklyn's got two Speed Demons with him at all times, and I don't know who else he's recruited."
Takoda swore, running a hand through his hair. "How do you get yourself into these situations, Ciri?"
"It's a habit," she said with a dry smile. "Can you help me?"
"I'll always help you, Ciri," Takoda said solemly. "What do you need?"
"I need lots of men. Twenty Demons. Send a message to my father, get him to organise a party. Tell them to wait at the plains just North of here. When I'll arrive, I'll give a signal. Then they can blast the hell out of all five of them."
"Which signal?"
"They'll know, don't worry. Just make sure they stay out of sight. I'll also have two others with me. A small blonde girl and a tall, dark haired boy with tanned skin. They're both Demons. I'm not shaking them off, because then I'll be really outnumbered. Just make sure they don't get hit. Brocklyn and his men will be trailing us, so they should be South of where you meet us."
"Okay," Takoda said, making mental notes. "I'll tell him tomorrow. Just don't get yourself killed, Ciri."
Ciri laughed. "It's pretty damn hard to kill me."
"Still carrying around that katana?"
"You bet."
They made their way to the door, before Ciri turned back.
"Just curious, have you seen Trisha lately?"
"Yeah, just a few streets over. Why?" Takoda asked with a frown.
"Just mapping out the Demons in this town. I've run into eight already. And I might need another place to camp out. We're staying at the girl's house for now, but we'll probably be moving soon. If I need a place to hide, I'll need someone I can trust."
"Trisha's the one then," Takoda agreed with a nod. "She'll be able to help you out for sure."
"Thanks," she said, giving him a quick hug.
"Just watch yourself," he said with a concerned look.
