CHAPTER THIRTY
Athos moved over to the seating area in Kramer's office and dropped wearily into the armchair, resting his head back and closing his eyes, every part of him screaming exhaustion. Aramis sat down on the small blue sofa adjacent to him where he had, not so very long ago, sat next to Dr Kramer and discussed religion and spirituality. He reached for his crucifix and felt its comfort as he held the memory in his mind for a few moments. His beliefs still held true, despite the previous twenty four hours.
The sun had now highlighted the scattered shards of glass that lay both outside the window frame and inside the office. In other circumstances, he may have thought they looked like a carpet of diamonds. Early morning warmth was flooding into the office though and along with the a new day came new hope, but he couldn't get past the gut feeling that they were still in mortal danger.
"There is still one of them out there," Aramis stated, keeping a cautious eye on the view through the ruined window. It all seemed very quiet.
"One?" Athos said, his eyes still closed.
"One, maybe two," Aramis replied, gently, aware that Athos had physically been through more than he had. "Though frankly, I've lost count," he admitted. "And to be fair, we don't know how many we started with, so knowing won't help us."
"I am sure there is some logic in there somewhere," Athos murmured. "Though I can't quite tease it out."
"Don't fall asleep," Aramis warned, watching him.
"Chance would be a fine thing," Athos sighed, opening his eyes and squinting at Aramis. "Next you'll be asking me not to think about food."
"Ah, now you've done it," Aramis sighed, as his stomach growled. "When did we last eat?"
"1630," Athos grunted.
A few tense moments passed. They were both aware of the situation but had little appetite left for combat. Banter was their coping mechanism.
"Alright, you start," Athos finally said, rubbing his forehead before resting his head back for another moment, careful not to close his eyes again.
"Very well. One in the kitchen," Aramis said, making a stabbing motion into his own neck. "First kill."
"Another in the Kitchen, courtesy of Martina," Athos smiled, miming a pan being brought down. Had he thanked her? He hoped so.
"One by the hot tub," he added, though he didn't mime that one. "So that's three. And Karate Man in the basement, four."
"You have been busy," Aramis murmured. "I thought you weren't keen on the hot tubs. You'll have to relate that to me some time."
"Beggars can't be choosers," Athos grunted. "And I'd rather not. Suffice to say, I was glad of your bandage."
"That's not the one I put on," Aramis pointed out, indicating the pink strapping on his friend's hand. "Though brownie points to you for replacing it."
"I think it may belong to Martina," Athos replied, holding his hand up and stretching it a little further over his hand, where it had slipped.
"That's two tales you owe me," Aramis said, conversationally.
"Deal," Athos replied, knowing Aramis wouldn't let either go. "Carry on."
Aramis rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "One on the stairs, so that's five."
"I took two out on the stairs," Athos smiled. "Seven."
"You were there?" Aramis paused, leaning forward towards his friend.
Athos nodded, his lips pressed together. "We just missed each other. I heard your curse," he said, raising his eyebrows.
"Ah, sorry about that," Aramis sighed. "God and I have had a difficult time today."
"Very well, then, so that's seven accounted for," Athos sighed. "There were more of them than we thought. Add to that the one who escorted me into Dannika's company, current position unknown. And her," he finished, tilting his head toward the body on the floor but not looking at her.
"You know, they might not have all come in the van," Aramis mused. "They could have had another vehicle."
"We would have seen it, surely?" Athos frowned, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, propping his head up.
"Not necessarily. They could have left it outside the gates and walked in through the forest."
"You just love to bring peace and harmony, don't you." Athos grunted. "Let's just park that thought, shall we?"
"Just being realistic," Aramis shrugged.
"I've had enough reality to last a lifetime, thank you," Athos huffed, scrubbing his hands over his face.
"At least we have a weapon," Aramis said, indicating the rifle, "Thanks to the anonymous Chef." Aramis smiled. "We don't even know his name."
"A pity he is not here today," Athos said. "Though I doubt his killer instinct extends to humans. At least, I hope not."
"How are you holding up?" Aramis asked, intuitively.
"I've been better," Athos said. "You?"
"Same," Aramis replied. "You don't think Treville planned this, as some sort of recuperation exercise?" he added.
Athos almost laughed. "That's very amusing, Aramis, but I doubt even Treville would be this cruel."
"Oh, I don't know," Aramis teased. "He was pretty pissed with us."
"It wasn't our fault!" Athos replied, indignantly.
In response to Athos's indignation, Aramis laughed. "He can be pretty evil. And we did push him a little."
Athos huffed. "He might have to get used to it. He owes us after this."
"I'll let you tell him," Aramis replied. "Where do you suggest he sends us to recuperate this time?"
Before Athos could reply, a crash out in the corridor had them ducking behind Kramer's desk. It sounded like a door being kicked in.
"So, two? Athos said, wearily, checking his gun chamber.
"At the last count," Aramis replied. "Give or take," he added, waggling his hand.
"I only have one bullet," Athos murmured. "Aramis ..."
"I have a couple," Aramis stated, interrupting him and turning his back so Athos could see the belt strung across his shoulders.
"Two," Athos sighed. "Fair enough," Athos tilted his head. "Aramis …" Athos tried again, but Aramis was ready for him;
"It's alright, Athos, we're good," he interrupted, hurriedly. "I would have been suspicious myself."
"From the images we have seen of them both, Irena was almost the same build," Athos replied.
"Almost, but not quite," Aramis stated.
"You are quite exceptional, my friend," Athos smiled.
"At last, you realise," Aramis smiled back.
But now, they could smell smoke. "I think we have to get out of here," Athos said, urgently.
"Do you think they're insured?"
"I would imagine so," Athos replied, not at all confused by the question. "They would be foolish not to be. With all that wine in the cellar."
Just then, they heard footsteps, running along the corridor outside. They both slid down the wall to the left of Kramer's desk, preparing for a fresh onslaught. Facing the door.
"At least the wolf has gone," Athos said. "I think you ruined his hunting."
"I hope not," Aramis frowned, holding the rifle horizontally and checking the bullet chamber, drawing up his knees and balancing the rifle barrel on them. "He has more right to be here than her," he bit out.
"She called Kramer a traitor," Athos said suddenly, his eyes on Rand. There had been nothing to hand to cover her and they did not wish to disturb the body. She had murdered Kramer and they had no wish to disturb any evidence of that fact.
"We'll have to figure that one out later," Aramis replied, bringing Athos back to the present.
"Did you really not know the wolf was there?" Athos asked, duly changing the subject.
"Not a clue," Aramis grinned. "I imagine there is some symbolism there though."
"We'll have to look it up. You'll need to be accurate," Athos said, his eyes on the door. "But I have every faith in you."
"Well, better late than never," Aramis replied, lightly, with no malice. "You're sure there are no bears out there?"
"Only wolves," Athos reassured him. "This is not our day to die," he growled, as in the corridor doors were being kicked in and the steps grew louder. They both tensed as the door was thrown open.
Athos levelled his gun. Aramis bent his head and closed one eye, training the rifle on the door, sighting his kill.
/
