Jason miscalculated how much momentum he'd need to land gracefully and his shoulder hit the gravel, hard. Pain ripped through his shoulder. He hugged the gun to his chest and rolled, sliding away from the car's wheels and into the ditch.
Grass whipped into his face. Something sharp gouged his side. He gasped in pain then saw the glitter of a beer bottle. Pique at littering flitted through his mind before he rolled to a stop against the opposite bank.
No time to catch his breath, he leaped to his feet. The sedan had stopped at an angle in front of the rental and Karl climbed out, his gun at his side.
Too far away. The car had stopped several yards ahead. Jason ran, hoping Connie would be able to shut the door. Just before Karl got there, the door slammed shut. Jason raised his gun as Karl did, stalking forward, sunglasses discarded, revealing a gaze blazing with murder.
Jason pulled the trigger. A gunshot rang out, then another, like a loud echo. Agony plowed through Jason's shoulder, spinning him backwards.
He staggered, his knees threatening to buckle.
Save Connie ripped across his mind. He planted his feet and raised his gun only to see Karl closing the distance between them. Without bothering to aim precisely, Karl slammed off another shot just as Jason did the same.
Pain seared across Jason's ribs. This time he blacked out slightly and when he could see again he was kneeling crumpled against the ditch.
He pressed his hand to his side; blood seeped through his fingers.
A shape thrashed into his vision. Karl, crunched into a ball, clutching a shattered knee. He moaned, cursing under his breath.
Jason forced himself to stand, forced the pain to the side. Maneuvered his gun back into a useful position, away from himself, toward Karl. Aimed it at his heart. "Don't move."
"What did you do to me!" Karl screamed.
"Get up."
Karl lifted his hands from his knee; it gushed blood and he pressed them back. "I can't." Devastation shook his voice.
"Then we'll wait." Jason sat against the bank, just a little higher than Karl, keeping the gun aimed at him. Their car was a few yards away, Karl's car still running, the lights flashing.
Jason lifted his cell phone from his pocket, called Connie.
"Jason! Are you okay?"
"More or less."
"What's that mean?"
"Just a minor injury. Don't worry."
"But Jason—"
"Are you okay."
"Yeah. Just… that was—"
"I know," he said sympathetically, knowing it'd probably take a while to recover. At least Karl hadn't hurt her. Or the others. "Did you call the police?"
"Yes."
Jason kept Connie on the line, wanting to be as close to her as possible, while he watched Karl. He barely felt the pain. That is, until the police showed up, several squad cars grinding to a halt in front of and behind their cars. Then relief flooded him and with the retreat of adrenaline, pain pounded through his side and shoulder. Cops handcuffed Karl, bandaged his knee, then hoisted him up as he cursed violently and writhed between them.
Jason leaned back against the ditch. Cops pried the gun from his hand. Asked him questions. At first they seemed vague, garbled. A policewoman leaned down close. "You all right? Oh—you're injured. We can take care of that. An ambulance will be here any second."
She knelt beside him and lifted his shirt then hissed in dismay. "It's probably just a flesh wound." She poured disinfectant on it, which sent fire raging through him. Then she pressed a bandage to his side. She tended to the wound on his shoulder but didn't seem as concerned about that since it was relatively minor.
To his relief, the police let Connie through to see him and she knelt beside him, tears in her eyes. She gasped when she saw the blood. "Jason…." She reached toward the wound in his side. "That looks awful! Did it…"
"I'm pretty sure it went through. I've had worse."
"That…doesn't mean much when the worst you've had is—a coma. You could've been killed!" She sat down next to him, looking exhausted.
"We all could've. But we didn't. Thanks to your driving."
She smiled wonderingly. "I still don't know how I did that. Prayed the whole time. I—still thought we'd die. Every second."
"But you kept your cool."
"Not really."
"Enough to not let fear take over. The mark of a true agent."
The ambulance siren screamed almost to a deafening level before stopping behind the last squad car. Paramedics jumped out.
They checked Jason over and gave him a painkiller. As he'd expected, the bullet had gone all the way through and was lying somewhere along the road.
"You're lucky it didn't go another inch to the left," said the paramedic, Lisa, when she finished. "You should go to the hospital, but it's optional to go in the ambulance."
He chose to stay with Connie, not wanting to leave her or the rescued slaves. They were checked over too; there was nothing life-threatening, but they were suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. Viktor had a mild infection in his whip wounds. The baby looked healthy but with all the confusion, he was in full crying mode.
"I'm not sure if I can drive," said Connie, looking shaken. "I don't want to risk crashing…." She wilted against the car.
"We can take all of you," said Lisa.
They all bundled into the ambulance while a policeman took charge of their car. The ambulance sped toward Rakima and the paramedics continued their treatment. Natasha rocked her baby, humming a lullaby and he soon calmed. Viktor crouched in a corner, making himself as small as possible, flinching when someone came near him, but passively letting them treat him.
Jason sat on the stretcher. Connie hovered over him, holding his hand.
"I take it you two are together," said Lisa.
"Very much so," said Jason.
"He'll be okay?" said Connie.
"Yes. He'll heal quicker if he rests. The main thing to watch for is infection. Antibiotics are crucial. Where are you from, by the way?"
"A little town called Odyssey."
"Never heard of it."
"It's in America."
"That explains the accent." Lisa smiled. She checked her chart. "Jason Whittaker… that sounds familiar. Can't quite place it… are you a sports star?"
Jason shook his head. "Secret agent."
Realization dawned on her face. "That's it! The mysterious agent who put our king on the throne and disappeared. We owe you a great debt. And you've come back to help us."
"I go where I'm needed."
"Human trafficking—it's a virulent disease. I see a lot of the…consequences. If only a lot more people did what you're doing."
"I do think it needs the collaboration of a nation. To burn it out completely."
"These kids sure deserve the best from now on."
Jason called Viktor's sister, Adela, and she said she'd meet them at the hospital. Once they got there, Jason was taken into a room to endure more examination. They had to take his shirt off to get at the wounds and he shrank from their silent consideration of his numerous scars.
"You've been shot before," remarked the doctor.
"Yeah, this is just a scratch comparably. You'll let me out soon, right?"
"As long as you agree to take it easy for the next few weeks. Your body doesn't need any more punishment."
"I can take it."
"That's your problem. You're probably a bit too reckless, am I right?"
"Well…"
"I get you're in a dangerous job but… these layers of scars are on a whole other level. Probably best if you pull back a bit. You're not getting any younger."
"I've been careful lately. Except…today we happened to get in the enemy's target."
"Perhaps this was unavoidable. But your health will catch up with you. There's only so much punishment a body can take. Do you want to feel seventy when you're fifty?"
"Of course not."
"If you want to be there for your family, you'll pace yourself. Not go on as dangerous missions, or as many."
"That's been the plan. I've learned my lesson. This was just an exception."
Her gaze softened. "We're grateful for your service. Burn out too quickly, and you won't be able to help anyone. I get that it hasn't always been avoidable." She frowned at the whip and knife scars on his chest. "You can't always get out of the way, if you're doing real good. But in those instances you're able to temper any reckless action—well. We don't want to lose a national treasure."
They released him and he went to wait in the hall with Connie while they treated Natasha and Viktor.
Jason couldn't help but feel annoyed at the doctor's admonition. It wasn't like she was his boss just because he helped her country. And he had chosen to pull back. They'd just gotten a bit too close to the fire this time—but it had been unavoidable.
There was something else too—something that nudged the edge of his mind. The thrill of it—like nothing else. Being in the midst of danger, a pitched battle, prevailing. What he'd been as an agent, before torture had torn him apart. It was one thing to be facing an enemy as an equal; it was another thing to be bound, helpless, being carved into. The former he could face. The latter… well, it was part of the risk. Part of why he had to pull back. Even in Paraguay he'd been captured, though he hadn't faced much other than a minor beating and being drugged. If being an agent meant that much of a risk of capture….it wasn't worth it.
Or perhaps those were exceptions. Perhaps he'd reached his lifetime limit. Perhaps he wasn't as incompetent as he thought. Circumstances had just aligned in those cases…
Yes, he'd frozen when hit with images of torture. But perhaps he could overcome his symptoms.
His track record in Muldavia wasn't too shabby (this time around). He had rescued Tatiana, amid the hail of bullets. He'd helped rescue seventeen total yesterday. He felt he was really getting somewhere…after an admittedly tough investigation. It was Yavesh they were up against, after all. It would take time.
How could he not do everything in his power—stretch even the remnants of his agent skills to the limit—to rescue these kids? It was worth every danger…. Yet there was one thing he couldn't do. He couldn't let Connie get hurt. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving her alone—leaving her to bear the burden of his murder or worse. She wanted to be with him, and he wanted to be with her…. But he couldn't go into danger with her beside him. This had already been too dangerous…. Perhaps he could do just as much in other ways. Everyone had their part to play. Perhaps, as the doctor had said, his hardcore agent days were over. He wasn't getting any younger.
Still, longing knotted in his stomach. To feel that thrill again.
He squeezed Connie's hand. She's enough. She's always enough.
And she did do very well today… I hate risking her life but if I'm there to protect her…
Only go so far. But how far is too far…
It's not like we don't have a super-agent on the way. In her prime, unequivocally better than me. And she's able to not only overcome her trauma, but to use it to propel her mission… perhaps I should find a way to do that…
Mine is much more recent. I probably do need some time to recover. Keep in the background. Especially now that we're starting a family. Do what I can… which does sometimes include facing unexpected enemies. It's not like we were looking for trouble. It found us. If we'd gotten to Rakima in time, he wouldn't have dared go for us. But perhaps it's better we got him early on.
Jason didn't like to hurt people but he was glad he'd shot down Karl. He wouldn't be able to hurt Viktor or anyone else ever again. And he would probably be in good enough shape to interrogate soon.
One thing I'm not doing if I can help it. Interrogations.
Other things though… I am good at. I'll be better at with practice. Perhaps I shouldn't court situations like this, but be prepared for them. Keep up my weapons training. Keep my body honed. Connie might not notice, but I've been letting myself go a bit… not as urgent about working out because what would I need it for?
To protect her. And protect innocent people.
Be good enough to be prepared for any situation. Even if I'm not courting the most dangerous ones.
He wondered if Connie had noticed a bit less definition in muscle tone… well, she certainly hadn't acted like it. But if honing his body made him all the more delightful to her, it was worth it. I can be at the top of my game… even at the edge of… forty.
She rubbed his hand, one finger sliding along the outer edge of it, creating small random swirls. A fiery shiver ran through him. He leaned closer, kissed her. "You really were marvelous out there," he whispered.
"You think so?"
He nodded. "I'll give you a token of my appreciation when we get back. Can't exactly here… unless we find some abandoned closet or something."
Surprise sparked in her eyes along with a shadow of dismay. "Jason… you're injured."
"So? It's barely anything."
"It's got to hurt a lot."
He looked down. The nurse had given him a new white shirt and thrown his other one away. The wounds didn't hurt much, just a dull throbbing. "I've got painkillers. Besides, your love will heal me."
"Not if I make your stitches come out!"
"It's not in a crucial area. I don't want to wait just because I got some minor injury."
"A gunshot isn't minor."
"It's not bad enough to keep me from you. But it might make it harder to be more careful."
"I want to be with you. Especially since… well. We couldn't exactly do much last night. And I've been going crazy since the castle. But I don't want to hurt you."
"You could never hurt me. I'll let you know if it's too much, okay?"
"Okay." Guarded eagerness lit her eyes.
"The more love you give to me, the sooner I'll heal."
"Then—I'll have to give you a lot." She kissed his cheek. "But I'll be really careful."
"It's all on the left side, so it'll be easy to avoid. You don't have to feel like you have to heal me or anything, either… it's just that it'll make me feel better. Everything bad will melt away."
"I want to give you as much as possible… because you deserve it."
She kissed him. Starved for her, he eagerly gathered her lips in his. Love burned through him. After what he'd experienced, he needed the contrast of her love all the more.
"Um…excuse me," said a voice.
Jason slid gently away and turned toward the voice.
It was Adela, clutching a purse, her golden curls in disarray. "The nurse said you're Jason and Connie?"
"Yes, we are," said Jason.
"They won't let me see him yet."
"You can wait with us if you like."
"I haven't seen him in so long. I…thought he was dead." Her voice caught. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "How is he?"
"He's…been through a lot. He'll need a lot of care."
"I can give him that."
"I'm so happy he has someone."
"He's all I have." Tears streamed from her eyes. She sat down next to Connie. Leaned her head in her hands.
About half an hour later, Viktor was released. He walked out of the outpatient room, looking bewildered.
Then his eyes caught his sister's.
He ran toward her. She charged toward him and they crashed together and embraced. Sobs shook them as they wept in each other's arms.
Connie and Jason left the hospital with Natasha and Dima. Connie carried the baby out, giving Natasha a break. When they reached the car, Connie handed the baby to Natasha, feeling a little empty without him in her arms.
She still felt a little shaky, but it wasn't likely something like that would happen again. She shrugged off her trepidation and started the car. She was the only one who could do it—Jason was a lot more injured than before and Natasha was out of the question.
She still felt a little nervous at first, but once she drove down a few streets she felt better. And going through the drive thru gave her a short respite. Natasha only ordered fries at first but Connie insisted she order whatever she wanted so she tentatively asked for two cheeseburgers and a shake.
Connie bought the same for herself and Jason, though Jason ordered a mango shake and she ordered chocolate. She loved the exquisite food of fancy restaurants, but there was something about fast food…it was comfort food. Made her feel like she was at home and her mother was treating her after a long day at school.
Sonya had agreed to take Natasha in, so Connie took her to the women's shelter. Natasha held Dima close as they walked up the sidewalk. "It's a beautiful place," she said, her voice faint. She hesitated in front of the porch.
"It'll be okay," said Connie. It had to be a lot for her to deal with all at once.
"Nika's here… but she'll be leaving soon…."
"There are a lot of other girls. Some of them know what you've gone through. And—you can probably visit Nika."
"I wish I could stay with her… She's the only reason I'm still here."
She set her jaw with determination and climbed the stairs.
The door swung open. Nika burst out of it. "Natasha!"
Natasha stopped in her tracks, her body rigid.
"Oh. I'm sorry," said Nika, her face falling. "I should know…"
Natasha's body sagged with relief. "It's okay. I'm still…getting used to…being out."
"Do you want to come inside? I can show you our room. Or do you want to stay outside for a bit?"
Natasha looked around. "I…don't feel like going in yet. Doesn't make sense because it's more dangerous out here but…." Nika laid her hand on her shoulder and guided her to the porch swing. Natasha settled down onto it, cradling Dima. She kissed his forehead; he wriggled and laughed.
"He's so cute!" said Nika. "What's his name?"
"Dmitri."
"Hi little Dima! I love his red hair. He looks…so much like you." Tears gleamed in her eyes.
Still on the sidewalk near the stairs, Connie felt like she was intruding. She nudged Jason. "Maybe we should get going."
"Maybe so," he said.
They turned to leave.
"Don't go!" called Nika. "I'm sorry I didn't say hi. Just—"
Connie and Jason turned back around. "That's okay!" said Connie. "Natasha needs you."
"I don't think she minds if you're here. Do you?" Nika looked at her, concerned.
Natasha shook her head. "They helped me. They took me out—at risk of their own lives. They…even got injured protecting me."
Nika's dark eyes widened. "What happened?"
Connie walked up the stairs. Jason stayed below; he was probably being careful for the girls' sake. She leaned on the porch column. "Someone came after us."
Nika's jaw dropped. She shrank back against the backrest.
"He was trying to take my friend Viktor," said Natasha. "He tried to run us off the road. Then…" Her eyes flicked to Jason. "They shot Jason."
Horrified sympathy shot across Nika's eyes. "Are…" Her voice was small. "Are you okay?"
Jason nodded. "Just a scratch." He flashed a grin.
A little annoyed, Connie said, "It's more than a scratch. If it was one inch further…"
"But it wasn't. I'll be healed in a couple days."
"Unless you get an infection or something."
"I hardly feel it right now." He shrugged, then winced.
"Jason…"
"You can sit down, if you want," said Nika, her voice heavy with sympathy yet tinged with fear.
"If that's okay."
She nodded quickly.
Jason climbed the steps carefully, and Connie thought it was probably due to the pain as well as for the girls' sake. A pang shot through her stomach, empathy for what he was feeling. She longed to go to him, gather him in her arms, heal him instantly. But as much as he insisted her love would make him better, it would still take time. At least he would probably take it easy, and if he didn't—she'd make him.
Jason sat down on the chair on the other side of the porch, gasping a little. Connie sat down in the chair beside him.
"What happened to your friend?" said Nika. "They didn't—"
"He's safe," said Natasha. "They took—his trafficker to jail."
"He wasn't…your…."
"No, he wasn't the one who…took me. I don't know where he is."
"So… could some more still be out there?"
"Maybe," said Jason. "It's hard to know. But they won't be able to get to you here. You won't be listed on any addresses. They have an alarm system—and a dog."
Natasha nodded, sunlight gleaming in her hair, burnishing it bright red.
"It's safe here," said Nika. "Don't worry."
A tear streaked down Natasha's cheek. "I… I can't believe I'm here. It's like a dream. When we left… I was so worried about you. I…didn't know what they…. But you're safe. You're free." Her eyes dropped to Nika's stomach, which looked larger than last time Connie had been here. "How far along?" said Natasha, shadows haunting her eyes.
"Five months."
"Then…."
"Must've been…right before you left." She hung her head, her bangs shielding her eyes.
"Having Dima… it helped me in that place. I had to protect him. The thing I feared most was they'd take him away from me." She ruffled his hair affectionately. "It…won't be easy. But at least you won't be trapped with him. Having a baby is—I can't explain it!" Tears slid down her cheeks. "I'd… I'd understand if you don't want to have anything to do with him. But—it doesn't remind you of—of them. He's a new, sweet person—so full of innocence and joy!" She kissed Dima's forehead. "Would...would you like to hold him?"
Nika hesitated, then nodded. Natasha lifted Dima and set him in Nika's arms.
Nika held him away from her body stiffly, as if not sure what to do. Then she brought him closer, cradling him against her stomach. He cooed and waved his arms.
A smile lit Nika's face. "Hi, Dima. It's nice to meet you." Then she gasped.
"What's wrong?" said Natasha.
"I's okay! Just—Alex."
"Alex?"
"My baby. He's kicking!"
"Can I…?"
Nika nodded. Natasha cautiously laid her hand on Nika's stomach beside Dima's head. Then her arm jerked back. "Oh! Wow, he's strong. Dima used to kick like that."
"I bet he wants to come out and play with his friend."
Natasha rubbed Nika's stomach gently. "Hey, little Alexi. You gotta wait. Just a few more months."
"I can't wait to see him," said Nika. "But…I'm kinda scared. How…how was it? Having him?"
"It… they… didn't help me much." Pain slashed across Natasha's face. "But it'll be different for you! You'll be able to be in a hospital. I'll be there for you, too!"
"Really?"
"If I can!"
"I just wish… I could've been there when… you were all alone… I'm sorry." Tears spilled from Nika's eyes.
"It's not your fault. I'm just so happy they left you. That you were spared any more…." She looked away.
"Maybe…we shouldn't think about that. Just about the future." She smoothed little Dima's hair. He giggled then began to fuss. Natasha took him, bouncing him in her arms, and he quieted.
"I don't know if I can think about the future yet. Just… I have to let it sink in that this isn't a dream!"
"It…took a long time for me to get there. And then… I was still just surrounded by darkness. But my baby… I saw him on the ultrasound! And… I found out I love him. So much. And then… I found out I'm adopted! We both are!" She pursed her lips. "I just wish… I wasn't leaving so soon. Maybe I can ask to wait."
"No—don't do that. I think…they'll let me visit."
"I'll ask if I can visit you, too! They seem really nice, so I don't think they'll mind. It'll take some time to get used to things…. I really hope that our babies can play together."
"Me too." Natasha leaned her head against Nika's, and they sat there in silence for a moment.
Then Nika turned to Connie. "I'm sorry I changed my mind," she said.
"About what?"
"I didn't name him Jeremiah. I might change my mind again but… I just fell in love with the name Alexander. And there's so many different nicknames for it…he can choose what he wants."
"It's is a beautiful name." In a way, Connie was glad. There was only one Jeremiah.
"Jeremiah is his middle name. I wanted to honor him."
Tears fogged Connie's vision. "Thank you," she said softly, not trusting herself to say anything more.
Dima began fussing, which turned into crying. "I—I think he needs to eat," said Natasha, looking embarrassed.
"Hey—why don't I take you to our room?" said Nika. "It's got a crib and everything!"
"That would be… wonderful. He'll need to sleep…"
Nika helped Natasha to her feet and they stepped to the door. Natasha jounced Dima in her arms. "Thank you—so much, for everything." Her face glistened with tears.
"I'm so happy you're safe," said Connie.
"I'll see you—soon?"
Connie nodded, hoping she was right.
"Thank you for finding her," said Nika, her eyes welling up with tears. Her eyes flicked to Jason, all fear fleeing their depths. "It's…a miracle. Except…you got hurt. I'm so sorry."
"Your freedom is worth it."
"I'm sorry… I was…suspicious of you before."
"I know…what trauma is like. It sees danger everywhere, even where it isn't. It's trying to protect you."
"Now I know it's lying—about you anyway." She smiled through her tears and helped Natasha into the house.
Jason stretched, then winced. "I… I don't know if I can get up…"
"I'll help you. Maybe we should wait for a minute though."
"Fine with me. I may have…overestimated my endurance…. Not sleeping all night doesn't help. I think that painkiller they gave me at the hospital is wearing off…."
"Want me to go get you some more?"
He shook his head. "I'm not supposed to take any more yet."
"What are you supposed to do when it hurts?"
"Grin and bear it, I suppose." He gave a rather unconvincing grin.
"That's not right. There has to be something else…"
"I can think of something. But we'd have to get back to the palace first…"
"I don't know… maybe we'd better wait. Like a day or something. Till the worst is over."
"I don't like that idea…"
"You need rest."
"I need your love. Just…one kiss…one touch… will be enough to tide me over. Make any pain fade into insignificance."
She laid her hand on his, traced its veins.
"There… just that… your touch is magic." He did look a little less pale… She almost started to believe in her own magic, at least where he was concerned. They belonged together. So compatible that the presence of one was enough to bolster the other… like two halves of the same whole.
The door opened again and a fluffy creature dashed out. The collie Amira! Behind her ran Ana, wearing a long denim dress. "Hey—Ami—" The collie beelined for Jason, wagging her tail.
Jason ruffled her fur and scratched her head. The dog panted, looking ecstatic.
"Sorry about that." Ana crossed her arms, looking astonished. "I've—never seen her like that with a man! Except for Jan. Wow." She crouched down, blocking the dog's exit from the porch.
Ami wriggled toward Connie and she pet the dog's soft, smooth head and fluffy ruff. Then Ami went over to Ana, who hugged her close. She took her collar to take back inside. "Sorry, girl. Can't risk it." Ana stepped back out. "Once she ran after the mailman, almost bit him. We never did get mail that day. Or the next." She smiled ruefully. "I heard you were here. I wanted to see you—and thank you."
"What for?" said Jason.
"You put in a good word for me… and I passed the aptitude test!" She beamed. "Now…maybe… I can become an agent. I was still kind of worried until my mentor showed up. She's—here now actually." She nodded at a figure through the screen door. A moment later, a young woman strode through the door. She was striking, with dark constellations of freckles scattered across her tan face, an explosion of dark blond curls, and intense hazel eyes—deep green ringed by a dramatic nova of brown. She wore a red shirt and jeans.
"Hi!" She waved. "I'm Amber." She had no trace of Muldavian accent; it sounded distinctly American.
"Hi!" said Connie. She and Jason introduced themselves.
"It's wonderful to meet you. Without your intervening, I wouldn't have met this special girl here."
"I'm not really…" said Ana.
"Don't sell yourself short. Your aptitude test was marvelous!"
"It was just a little above average…."
"But considering all you've had to overcome…. I have a feeling that if you retest in a couple years, you'll score even higher. Besides, you're more than just a number. I can see the sheer strength that helped you through the darkness—and the empathy that everyone in this job needs. Markov or no Markov." Her lower lip pouted, as if challenging him from afar.
"Empathy is important," said Jason.
"You especially need it in this business. Saving kids."
"That's what I want to do," said Ana. "Keep it from happening—and save all the kids that are—going through what I did."
"Thanks to you," said Amber, "I figured out I want to do that, too. When Markov asked me to look into it… I'm ashamed to say I hardly considered it before. It just wasn't on my radar. But now that it is—there's nothing more urgent." Her eyes burned with determination.
"No kid should ever experience any of that," said Jason. "If any of us can help it."
"I want to help… so much," said Ana. "But I don't know if I can…."
"I'll help you. And you're totally free to decide to do something else. I've got a degree in psychology—so I'll be able to help you overcome some of your PTSD. It'll be hard…. But that's why you're starting now. and I'm committed to this path with you. No matter what." She laid a hand on Ana's shoulder.
"I probably won't be an agent till after college anyway. So hopefully….by then…" She shook her head. "I won't be having any more panic attacks." She slumped against the porch post.
"Remember what you learned in therapy? Recovery…."
"Isn't linear," finished Ana, with a faint smile. She slid some of her long, golden hair back. Looked off into the distance.
"That's…helpful to remember," said Jason, holding his hands out, palms up.
Ana gasped, took a step closer. "What happened?"
"Interrogation. I…had to see one. Where…they went a bit too far."
"Oh! That's awful! I don't think…I would want to do that… even to them…. But you…after being captured… I can't imagine."
"I think I'm doing better, then something like this happens." Jason tilted his head. "Maybe going to a therapist would be a good idea after all…."
"I highly recommend it," said Amber. "I was going to be one… then I got diverted into the force. I don't regret it. But I still am part therapist." She pressed a hand to her heart. "I just wish….well. That I wasn't so naïve, so privileged…. I don't really know what it's like to have hardship. Haven't even had any missions go bad yet. I'm young… and in this business…. I'll probably get my chance. In the old days… with my mixed ancestry… I would've had a lot more barriers. Now… within trafficking circles… being 'exotic' makes me prime bait."
Ana tugged on Amber's shirt. "Please… please don't do that. It's not worth it. Please… don't go there!"
Amber patted her arm gently. "Hey—I won't be unduly reckless. I don't have a death wish. But any risk is worth it to rescue more girls."
Ana nodded. "I just…can't stand thinking … of that…. of you, there—please, be careful."
"I'll learn the tricks specific to this trade—then I'll pass them on to you. Make sure you stay safe."
"I don't know if I can ever go undercover…."
"That probably isn't the best idea. You can do a lot besides that."
"I hope so… Help not just girls, but boys too."
"I do tend to forget that. Being such a newbie. But you're right."
"They take men, too," said Connie. "We found one…yesterday. He was college age."
"I'm not much older than that myself. I suppose… there's a sick demand for all types…."
"It's true that if you're an agent," said Jason, "you become a target. With Yavesh…."
"What is it?"
He hesitated. "An agent was kidnapped."
"Oh. I heard about that. Markov's protegee. He…wouldn't let me see the video."
"Probably for the best. If you're not on that case… the less who see what they do to him… the better."
"Maybe I should help. See if I can…find any clues… Markov is beside himself. For one of our agents to be lost in…" She shook her head, her curls bouncing. "Well… I suppose… we'd better be getting back to your birthday party." She looked at Connie and Jason. "Would you like to join us?"
"We…probably better get going," said Jason.
"Will I see you again?" said Ana.
"I hope so."
"Can you…give me tips for being an agent?"
"Sure."
"With expertise such as yours," said Amber, "you probably know things they don't teach in books—or in training."
"Ask me any time."
"That'd be great."
"Thank you," said Ana, her blue eyes sparkling. "For helping me on the path to becoming an agent like you. Well—not like you. I could never…"
"You'll be an exceptional agent."
She smiled, hope dancing in her eyes.
After they went inside, Connie helped Jason to his feet. He gasped in pain. Shock shot through her heart. "Jason—maybe we'd better—"
"I'll be okay. Just need rest."
She helped him to the car. Her heart pounding in sympathy, she drove to the palace. When its gleaming face came into view, she almost cried with relief. Their home away from home. A fortress. Safe, luxuriously beautiful. A perfect place to rest.
Jason insisted on walking on his own but once he got to their new room, he collapsed into bed. She brought him a glass of water and he gulped it gratefully. Then he settled back down onto the bed, burying his face in a pillow. In a few moments, he was asleep.
She paced a little, rather wired from the morning, and ate a granola bar from her purse. But then she lay down beside him, careful not to wake him up, and laid her hand on his back, willing it to heal him.
Of course, there was only one Healer. She pleaded with God to dull his pain, make the injury close up faster, keep him from infection. Then her words faded along with all conscious thought.
When she woke, she felt heavy, sluggish. The sun was gleaming red in the west. He was still lying there, still. Her heart thumped hard. She felt frantically for his pulse.
It throbbed steadily against her finger.
Of course he was okay. It wasn't that bad of an injury.
But…she did need things to be a little more calm for a while…. Such a close call. A few inches and he could have been taken from her.
Tears stung her eyes.
I can't lose him. Please… please don't take him from me. Let us go together… I can't bear the thought of losing him, or of him mourning me. But if I have a choice… let it be him that stays. He'd find happiness still… but I couldn't live without him. My light… my sun… It was probably wrong to think this way, but she didn't care. She couldn't believe she'd ever thought of him as anything other than indispensable. She had to make up for lost time. Savor every moment. Immerse in all of his beauty… because you never knew what the future would hold.
She reveled in his features, in the copper glint of the sunset in his hair. His face in repose… so beautiful. His lips… she longed to kiss him. She didn't see how she could compare to him, but he loved her, enjoyed her, and that was enough. She wanted to let him experience her in every way he wanted. Her imagination flooded with images, desires… longed for him to touch her. She wanted to give him more… think of something as compensation for all he'd gone through. And as the continuation she longed for, after the interruption after the castle….
But at the same time….it was probably best to let him rest. Give him the time he needed to heal. The more rest he got, the sooner he'd heal, and then they could make love without reservation.
She'd thought they'd have no more barriers…now he was injured. She'd wait for him as long as it took. If only she hadn't waited so long before… her only barriers before had been artificial, of her own making. She'd be careful with him because of something real this time. Not that her grief hadn't been real…but if she'd let herself be close to him, they could've gone through it together. Her open wounds would've healed faster when touched by him. Instead of being alone in the dark and cold, she'd have been embraced by his warmth. Seek solace in his love—in every form. They were better together, she knew that now.
He'd just have to take it easy for a bit. It wasn't like there weren't other things they could do…. Things that wouldn't be quite as hard on his injuries. It was too bad they couldn't continue what they'd started in the castle yet…. But drawing things out could be fun, especially when there was no guilt left. It was just that they'd already been apart so much already. But then, they weren't apart, not really. They were fully back together—their minds and hearts and souls were one.
She caressed his hair, careful not to wake him. But he stirred, groaning. He stretched, then cried out, writhing. Curled in on himself, his fists clenched, his eyes squeezed shut, pain furrowing his brow.
She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Jason—what can I do?"
"Pills—need—"
"Okay, I got it." She dashed to the bathroom. Poured water in his glass then ran back to him, some water spilling on the floor. She dug the pills out of her purse and slid two into her palm. Then handed them to him. He picked them out of her hand, his fingers shaking. Popped them into his mouth. He propped himself up on the pillows, gasping, and she lifted the glass to his mouth. He sipped, swallowed, then leaned back, breathing hard.
"Oh, Jason…."
"'S okay. Just…waited too long…."
She sat against the pillows beside him, not moving, scared of jarring his injuries. He lay there, taking deep breaths. The seconds drew out, expanding like heaving lungs. Then, his hand sought hers, sliding across the pillows. She grasped his hand, squeezed gently. "Jason, I love you."
He smiled up at her through tears of pain. "I love you." His eyes searched hers, lingered on her face. "You're so beautiful…."
"What else can I do?"
"Keep being a distraction… stay close…please."
"I won't leave."
His hand fumbled up to her face, stroked her cheek. "So soft…." He slid closer, then gasped, hissing through his teeth.
"Hey—don't move."
"It's okay… I think the pills are kicking in…. Please, just… I need you." His hand slid down her arm.
"I've got you." She traced his cheekbone with one finger, slid it down over his jaw, now sandpapery. Gently leaned in and kissed his lips, then his chin, the bridge of his nose, his forehead. "How's that?"
"Wonderful. I…I'm feeling better already."
"Probably the medicine."
"No, it's your magic…." His fingers buried in her hair, parsing out its strands, his eyes marveling at them. "The last rays of sunlight dying in them…. Trapped there, they'll keep glowing, sustained by your life…"
"Jason… maybe those pills are a little too strong…."
"No, just you. You're always…more amazing than I can bear…." He touched the pattern on the blanket between them, where a knight kissed a lady's hand. "Look at this… it's us. My princess." He rested his palm on her cheek. Closed his eyes. For a moment, she thought he was asleep. Then his beautiful eyes opened again. His thumb caressed her cheek, traced the edge of her mouth.
He glided his finger over her ear. "I want to give you… so much," he said. "I have to reward you for your excellent driving skills. Your quick thinking saved us, you know." Admiration shone in the indigo depths of his eyes, sending wild thrills sparking through her. Longing churned inside her. Tugged her inexorably toward him.
"I'm…happy I could actually do something…"
"You're amazing, Connie. I can't even…. It drives me crazy. Knowing you're so close." He kissed teasingly close to her mouth, then spread kisses along her jaw, up her cheek, slid her hair back and kissed her ear. Drew back, leaving her desperate for more. She lay back against the pillows as he propped himself up beside her, his eyes blazing. She drowned in the kiss, letting it consume her. Passion raged deep inside her, burning— She'd been just one half of a whole her whole life without realizing it…. How could she ever be even one hairs-breadth away from him—
"Jason—I need you."
"Connie—you're—" He sat back, astonishment in his eyes. "A work of art. I could look at you all day, all night, and be satisfied." He bit his lip. "I'm not worthy of this magnificent queen but she draws me to her—" He caressed her neck, slid his fingers down to her collarbone, lingered there, then swept his hand over her chest… She could feel him beyond the fabric, longed for his touch on her bare skin. Just this was impossibly tantalizing…
She lifted her shirt, giving him access to her stomach, and he spread gentle kisses over her skin, then tenderly traced swirls along her sides, slashing bright pleasure through her. She gasped, quivering, leaning back, longing for more sweet torture, longing for him to burn his glory through her. His fingers scudded delightfully slowly over her flesh. She longed for him to go further, but instead he drew away, leaving her empty, aching, hating the distance between them.
He slipped off his shirt, revealing his stunning chest, gleaming with copper light.
Wonder raced through her at his astonishing beauty—she knew he was beautiful, but seeing him hurled her imaginings into oblivion. Always even more wonderful than she remembered. She gazed appreciatively at him, lingering at each feature which she loved with all her heart. And beneath his chest, that glorious heart thudded, loving her unreservedly….
She rose and knelt facing him. Laid her palm on his chest. His heart beat hard. His eyes burned a deep yearning blue. His gaze sank, lingering on her body; she flushed hot, not with embarrassment, but with desire. With pride that he took delight in her form. That he found her beautiful. That she belonged to him, and he to her… they would always have each other, always find more to revel in.
She rested her hand on his cheek, her thumb against his cheekbone, her other hand lacing into his hair. He glided his fingers lightly up over her cheek, her temple, then slid a wisp away from her forehead, barest touch sending thrills rippling through her.
She slid her hand down over his shoulder. Her hand met flat coarse fabric. His breath hitched. Her hand snatched back. "Oh! I'm sorry." She sat back, horrified she'd hurt him.
"It's okay."
"I never want to give you any more pain! You've already had too much. Now you've been shot."
"It barely hurts now. I was just…surprised. I forgot about it too."
"That's just your shoulder. Your side…" Her eyes fell to the bandage.
He sat down, facing her, legs folded. "Your love will heal me."
"We…might regret it."
"I'd never regret being with you."
"I would if I hurt you." A pang of residual guilt hit her. "I mean… I'd never regret anything we did together. I—I don't want to keep myself from you. But how could I live with myself if I hurt you? Maybe we'd better…. I mean… if you're okay with it… I just…" She sank back against the pillows, torn. Would it cause him more pain to keep herself from him? Maybe her love would heal him.
Disappointment flickered across his eyes. Then he smiled and sat against the pillows beside her. "It would hurt you if you hurt me. I can't do that to you."
"We could just…take it slow… go back to how it was…."
"We can just take it easy for now… and we'll do more when I feel better. I hate to say it but… I probably should rest. Just your touch, just you being with me—it'll heal me. I'll probably be all the way healed by tomorrow."
"Then…"
He stroked her hair, rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "It's something to look forward to."
"We could…try something that's not as hard on your injuries..."
"Like what?"
"I um…maybe I should just…show you."
"What do I need to do?"
"Just lie back…."
He lay down against the pillows, looking impossibly gorgeous, his eyes expectant, his lips slightly parted. He'd drive her crazy… but in a good way. This kind of anticipation…without the guilt…would be exquisite.
She unbuckled his belt. Quickly at first, then realized how much better drawing it out would be. She slowly slid the belt out of its loops then tossed it to the floor with a dull 'clink'.
He gasped, his eyes stunned, love glowing from the inside. She tugged his jeans downward.
"I…" he gasped. "I should be rewarding you."
"You can do that later. You're the one who needs healing."
She caressed his sides, careful to avoid the bandage. She'd have to rein herself in at all costs, be measured while passion raged inside her. Minister to him in ways he liked while also being careful. Put herself second. Because he was what mattered.
But in the back of her mind, she was also longing for the moment he'd return the favor…
Softly, caringly, she ministered to him. He cried out—she drew back, horrified she had hurt him. "It doesn't hurt," he said. "Stopping…hurts."
She nodded, heeding his reactions. Tormenting him with slowness, but ultimately giving him what he needed.
Afterwards, she lay back against the pillows.
"Connie, that was—"
"You liked that?" she asked teasingly.
"I can't… you're— I have to pay you back."
She laid a hand on his heaving chest. "That's enough for now. When you're feeling better….you can return the favor."
She fell asleep, glorying in the fact she had pleased him while also being careful to avoid his injuries.
She woke, sunlight blazing in her eyes. His arm was draped over her side. Pressed snugly against his warm chest and stomach, she didn't want to move. She was just drifting back to sleep when he stirred, the covers rustling, his breaths quickening from deep sleep. Then he caressed her shoulder, kissed her cheek. "Connie," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
She flipped onto her back, gathered his delightful gaze to her heart. "My Jason…."
He kissed her slightly parted lips, then lifted away. "I suppose…" Regret lingered in his eyes. "We better get up."
"Maybe you should rest some more."
"I'll take it easy today."
Her heart thudded hard. "No more getting shot."
"We'll keep to the background."
"Good."
"Where we should be…. Although…."
"What is it?"
"If we hadn't gone to that party… seventeen people would still be slaves."
She nodded. "But you can't always go that far."
"Especially now." Pain seized his face. "I think I need the pills…."
She jolted out of bed. "I'll get them!" She sprinted to the bathroom and came back with water and the pill bottle rattling in her hand. Grateful, he took two pills and sipped the water. She adored those pills for assuaging his pain.
"Still hurts quite a bit?" she said.
"Better than yesterday. I think." Wincing, he crawled out of bed. His glorious body weighed down by pain. She sat beside him, rested her hand on his thigh. In a few moments, he seemed to recover; he straightened and stood, then headed to the shower.
When he emerged, she helped put on a new bandage and took a shower herself. Then they headed down the hall for breakfast.
While they were in the breakfast room, Whit called. He told them that he'd persuaded Tam to accept his help and he'd gotten out on bail. Whit was now in the process of calling his connections to get a good lawyer.
"I wish I could say he agreed to my help because we're family," said Whit, the phone propped up against the juice pitcher, his face a little pixelated. "But it was Sierra who persuaded him. She let him know how much she wished she would have had a father—and that resonated with Tam. He doesn't want his daughter to go through that. Tam's…still kind of standoffish with me—I think he doesn't want to get too close, and he's suspicious of why I would want to associate with him in the first place. It'll take some time…. I've just got to let him know I'm on his side. I'm not giving up on him."
"Have you found any trace of Mai?" asked Jason.
"When she's not here with us, Sierra is tracking down her abductors. Now that she found Ben, she can totally focus on finding Mai. I'm praying it's not too late." Dread weighed down his voice.
"I wouldn't count on Sierra being easy on the traffickers. There might be…collateral damage."
"As long as Mai doesn't get caught in the crossfire."
"Would…Tam be up to talking to his uncle?" asked Jason.
"I'm not sure yet. This is all a lot to take in…and he's still going through withdrawal. But I'll let him know you want to talk to him."
"It won't feel real until I hear his voice."
"It'll probably take some time for him to get used to all of this. Don't be hurt if he doesn't call back."
"He's in crisis mode right now… he doesn't need more complications. But I just…want to let him know I'm here for him. He's got a lot more people who love him than he realizes."
"He's been cut off from everything, descending into despair… but now he has family to pull him out of it. He doesn't need to cut himself off from love. Even if he feels he should pull away… he knows he needs help finding his daughter."
"You've already helped so much—he's got to appreciate that."
"I think he does… in his own way."
"I wish I could be there…."
"Hopefully we can get Tam to the US. I'll try to help him see it'll be better for Mai. Or maybe see if he can go back to Vietnam… find out if his family will be receptive… I'll try to get in touch with his aunt."
Connie and Jason told him about their recent adventures and he was aghast that Jason had been shot. They concluded the phone call with a fervent prayer.
They headed to the orphanage on the pretext of handing in their adoption paperwork and signing specific requests to adopt Lexi, Mina, and Tanya. Well, it wasn't exactly a pretext because they really did want to adopt them. But they also wanted to find out what Lexi had meant about kids disappearing.
In their room, Tanya enthusiastically showed them her toys. Mina showed Connie a book she had gotten from the orphanage "bookstore" for free, Anne of Green Gables. Connie read the next page in the story, where Anne goes through the White Way of Delight on the way to her new home. Connie fought tears. Hoping against hope that she could adopt Mina and her sisters. Give them a permanent home, a refuge from all they'd gone through.
Jason let Mina know that the man who had stolen her from the orphanage had been captured. She looked shocked but then she wanted to know more so he told her how he'd rescued Viktor from him. Then she flopped back on the bed, blissful relief on her face. A tear streaked down her cheek.
Tanya knelt beside her, stroked her shoulder. "It's okay, Mina. He can't get you anymore."
"He can't get anyone else again." A sob shook her. Connie knelt beside her and she clung to her shoulder.
"You're safe now," said Connie.
"Safe," echoed Mina, her fist grasping her shirt. Connie slid back her thick black curls, kissed her forehead.
"We're not," said Lexi in a small voice. "Can you take us out of here?"
Connie sat back against the bunk bed and Mina leaned against her, her arm around her as if never wanting to let go. Tanya flopped down into Connie's lap.
"We'll try," said Jason. "What happened?" He sat down beside Connie.
Lexi knelt on the floor and faced her, her green eyes earnest, anguished. "My friend Ariana was here. When I came here from…that other place, she helped me feel better. She was just like the girl in the book you were reading 'cause she was an orphan and she had red hair. And she had green eyes like me. Then someone came to take her. She was getting adopted! I wanted to go with her so bad but they didn't want me. Ariana said she would tell them to adopt me too. She said she would find me no matter what. We promised. Then that same night they came to take her to their home. I was so scared she was leaving I snuck out. I watched them. They—didn't act nice. They hurt Ari and put her in a van." Lexi sniffed. "I wanted to help her but I couldn't move! I was so scared. They acted like…him." She took a shaky breath. "I was scared they would hurt me but I could've saved Ari! Now she's—" Her breath caught and she buried her face in her hands, her small body shaken by sobs.
Tanya climbed out of Connie's lap and went over to her. "It's okay." She stroked her dark hair.
"She's gone. It's my fault." Her voice faded into barely a whisper.
"It's not your fault," said Jason. "It's the fault of the people who took her. If you went to help, you might have been taken away or gotten hurt."
"I…could have told someone."
"Some of them…might be in on it."
"Then we got to get out of here!" She sat up, her eyes wide with terror.
Connie shuffled over to her on her knees. "Hey—we'll help. We won't leave you." She looked at Jason.
He nodded and stood, leaned against the top bunk. "I'll call Roderick. We've got to keep the kids safe. Even if we have to shut this place down."
"What about Ali?"
"He'll probably get suspicious. But there's no point to this mission if we risk kids' lives. We don't know exactly what happened, but something is up here, and we know Ali isn't just some magnanimous philanthropist. We thought it was just part of his cover…but now there's evidence he could trafficking kids. Maybe it's time to tear his mask off. At least—get these kids out of his reach." He looked at the girls. "Have you seen Hannah or Daniel around? Do you know if they're okay?"
"I saw them the first day," said Mina. "But then they said they were getting adopted."
"Already?"
She shook her head. "I mean, go to foster homes." She looked flustered; Connie didn't blame her.
"I've got to check this out." He strode out the door.
Connie held out her hand, and Lexi took it. She followed her back over to the bunk and huddled down in her lap. Mina snuggled up against Connie's arm. Tanya slid her arm around hers, then laid her head down on her shoulder. Connie hummed a lullaby, one that her mom had sung to her when she was little, and tears slid down her face as she rocked Lexi gently, the little girl's hand clasped in hers.
After a few minutes, Mina got up and walked to the window. Tears rolled down her cheeks, glistening in the sunlight. "I—I can't go back."
"I'll stay with you. I won't let you out of my sight till you're safe."
Mina nodded and looked at her. The trust in her eyes wrenched Connie's heart. It made her even more determined not to let her down.
Jason barreled back into the room. Mina gasped and pressed back against the wall. Jason froze. "I'm sorry. That was—inexcusable."
He sat down against the wall beside the bunk close to the door. "I asked about Hannah and Daniel. And Tatiana. They won't tell me where they are. 'Nondisclosure agreement'. I suppose it's plausible…they want to keep the kids safe. And yet—something's wrong here. Knowing what Ali's affiliated with… we can't take any chances. I wonder if there's a way to do it without tipping him off. An inspection, perhaps. It'll make him suspicious but if he can't trace the source…. I'll call Roderick." He stood. "Probably best I don't do that in here."
"I'll stay with them," said Connie softly, not wanting to wake Lexi, who had fallen asleep in her arms.
Jason headed out the door. Mina opened Anne of Green Gables and Connie read it while Mina listened intently. Tanya galloped her toy horse across the floor, but she glanced their way every few minutes so she was probably listening too.
A knock on the door startled the kids. Mina scrambled back to the farthest corner of the lower bunk bed. Lexi jumped, waking up, then buried her face in Connie's shoulder.
A woman stepped in. "Time for lunch," she said.
"Do we have to?" said Tanya, hugging her gray stuffed horse.
"Yes, you need to grow big and strong."
"Can Connie come?"
"We've only have enough for the kids."
"That's okay," said Connie. "I'll eat later."
"I suppose… it's fine."
Tanya jumped up and down. "Can I bring Lucy?"
"No, Lucy needs to stay here. You don't want to get ketchup on her, do you?"
Tanya shook her head, her black braids flying. "I don't want her to turn red! What are we having?"
"Hot dogs and macaroni."
She jumped up and down again, her face overjoyed.
"I'll show you to the cafeteria," said the woman. "I'm Shayla, by the way."
"I'm Connie."
Shayla led the way to the cafeteria. Most of the kids were already eating. Connie sat down at one of the tables with Lexi on her lap. Lexi didn't move at first, and Mina toyed with her food. Tanya offered to give Connie some of hers, and Connie shook her head, though with all the food around she was starting to get hungry.
Connie stabbed a piece of chopped hotdog. "Looks good, doesn't it?"
Cautiously she took the fork and put the hotdog into her mouth. After that she ate voraciously.
Mina kept pushing noodles and carrots around her plate. "Do you want my food?"
Connie shook her head.
After a few minutes, Mina took some tentative bites, although by the time everyone else was done, she'd only eaten half of the food. She offered it to Connie, who ate it only because she wasn't sure if she'd get a real lunch today.
Most of the kids were running around in the yard out the window. Connie took the trays up to the kitchen then took the girls outside. While Tanya went on the playground, Lexi sat in Connie's lap, and Mina sat beside her on the stairs.
The door opened behind her. Jason stepped out and sat a few feet away. "The king is sending an inspection team. If they find some kind of violation, they'll commandeer the orphanage."
"What if they don't find them?" said Connie.
Jason slid a little closer. "They'll find something." He gave her a meaningful look.
"You mean—"
"An operation this big is bound to have something that's not up to par. And there already is some evidence of the worst violation. Something…smaller will have to do until they make their case."
"They'll make sure the kids are safe till then?"
"He's sending over his best people. It'll be the safest orphanage in the country."
They stayed until the inspectors arrived, then Connie said goodbye to Mina, Lexi and Tanya.
"Please, don't leave," said Lexi, hugging Connie's waist.
"I'll come back soon," said Connie, her heart aching. Maybe by then…we'll be able to adopt them.
"Thank you for helping us," said Mina.
"You're safe now. The king himself is watching over you."
Her dark brown eyes gleamed with hope.
Connie stepped out the door, not wanting to leave. But she couldn't exactly stay all day. Someday soon, she'd be able to spend all the time in the world with them.
On the way back to the palace, they stopped at a fast food place. Connie got a burger and fries to go with the "healthy" first half of her meal. She devoured the food as they sat at a park along the Zoz River. Then they shared a banana split before heading home. It was getting to feel homelike, although Connie's heart yearned for Odyssey.
When they got back, James was playing with Vera and Rani in the living room while their mother, Karima, watched from the couch. She welcomed them, and Connie sat down beside her while Jason joined James in twirling the little girls around while they laughed and laughed.
"It's…so good to hear them laugh," said Karima, her dark eyes shining. "I…" Her voice caught. "I never thought I would see them again. Thank you for saving them."
Connie almost said, I didn't save them, but that was beside the point. What mattered was that these girls were with their mother. Looking like nothing had happened, although some trauma was probably buried beneath the joy.
Jason and James set Vera and Rani down and they tilted around the room, laughing as their dizziness wore off. Then Rani crawled into her mother's lap. Vera kissed Karima's cheek and they all snuggled up together, oblivious to anything else.
Jason sat down beside Connie and James sat in the chair closest to him. A shadow fell over the glee in his eyes. He leaned back, weariness dragging his limbs.
"Any news?" asked Jason softly.
James shook his head. "I don't know what's worse… not knowing, or…."
"There's still hope—"
"No there's—" He bit his lip. "I suppose there is some hope. Vera and Rani came back." His eyes strayed to them. "But…" He pursed his lips. "I—" He stood. "I better get back. Just in case."
"In case—?"
His eyes flashed darkly. Then he strode out of the room.
"I… know what he feels, in a way," said Karima, sweeping back a wisp of dark hair from her face. She hugged her girls tightly. "I didn't think…" She stopped, struggling against tears. "So many nights I prayed… crying out to God. Then… he brought them back to me. Before, I couldn't even think of what the rest of our family is going through. Now… Maybe the odds are against it but. If God can bring about this miracle….maybe Luna can come back too."
"We rescued others yesterday… maybe we're close to a breakthrough."
"I can't imagine—sweet Luna— At least… well. They tell me it… it wasn't the worst for my girls. To be caught was horrible, but I praise God it…didn't go further."
"They fought, you know," said Connie. "They tried to escape…found a knife."
"That's my girls." She kissed the tops of their heads. They laughed and looked up into her eyes. "My brave girls."
"I know they'd rather not relive it," said Jason, "but would it…be okay if I asked them a couple questions?"
"What do you think, girls? You might help us find Luna."
"Sure," said Vera. Her sister nodded.
Gently, Jason asked them about their ordeal, from when they were kidnapped to their rescue, and jotted down some notes. They were mostly enthusiastic, though sometimes they shrank from certain details and Jason tried a different direction. He also asked them if they'd seen anything strange going on at the orphanage, but since they hadn't been there very long, they didn't have much to tell.
Ali was probably being carful not to filter out too many kids at a time, to not draw suspicion… Connie's stomach turned over. To use an orphanage to enslave kids—it was unimaginably evil. They had to take him down. They didn't have much evidence yet… somehow they had to find it.
After that, Connie sat on the floor and played a board game with the girls, learning a new Muldavian game that was sort of like Monopoly and Risk. By the time they were finished and Vera had won, lording it over her younger sister a bit, it was time for supper.
James joined them; he looked pale but at least tried to keep his spirits up, focusing on the little girls mostly. Roderick gave them an update about what was going on at the orphanage. The inspectors had found a 'potential violation' and had posted someone in an oversight position. The management weren't too happy about it. The overseer was a security agent, who would make sure the kids were safe and report anything unusual, which he didn't expect to happen while he was there.
"It's nice to have friends in high places," said Jason, taking a sip of his wine.
"Being in the highest office in the land does have its advantages…" said Roderick. "I'm not happy about working in gray area of the law, but considering what we're up against… I have to make an exception. We know there's something going on, and we know kids are in danger. That's enough."
Darya leaned forward, glass cradled in one hand. "Abdication will cut all of this capability. Are you sure you want to leave the country to the wolves? Just when it needs you most?" Her blue eyes stabbed across the table.
"Handing the country over to the people doesn't mean throwing it to the wolves. It's giving it a chance to thrive on its own. To not rely on a king's decrees."
"But sometimes, you need to act quickly, incisively. Now that we truly see the crisis Yavesh is creating, insisting on going through institutions will slow things down. And that will cost lives."
"It's not as if the presidency will be weak. We'll structure it with enough power so that the executive can act swiftly, decisively. But I'm not comfortable with the use of extrajudicial powers. We must follow the rule of law. A person who can rule by decree…that's a recipe for abuse of power."
"You think your son will do that?" She gestured to James, who looked at her, startled.
"No… but even good intentions can go too far. One person should not have this kind of power. I'll use it to build a strong executive branch, then I'll step aside. They may insist I stay on as a figurehead, which I'll only do if there is no other alternative. It's enough for a person to symbolize the state; it's too much for a person to embody the state."
"You could save so many more people this way."
"You don't have enough faith in our new president, whoever they may be. We haven't had elections for president in living memory; the ones for the premier were only a sham. It's not like presidents can't operate within the gray area of the law. The difference is, they cannot stay in power, they cannot consolidate power and keep it. Because we'll have rock-solid term limits. I've been ruling for too long; I don't understand these dictators that want to rule for decades. Seventeen years… it weighs on me, Dar."
"I know, my love. But that's what makes you a good king. You don't seek power for its own sake."
"Kings and dictators should have died out by now. I will not hang onto a relic of the past. It's time for new blood."
"You could always abdicate in favor of your son." She smiled, as if knowing this wasn't a serious idea.
James shook his head. "I don't want that—horrible burden. I can't even…" He leaned his head in his hand.
"You could use your power to search for Luna."
"We'll never find her, no matter what we do."
"I'm doing everything I can," said Roderick.
"That's not enough." He stood, then strode out of the room.
"What's wrong?" said Vera.
"He's sad about Luna," said Karima in a low voice.
"Oh. She went to the place that man took me."
"Something like that."
"I found a knife. Maybe she will too."
"I hope so."
"I'll go find her!" said Rani. They climbed off of their chairs and went running around the room, role playing chasing after some kidnappers.
"You wouldn't guess they'd been imprisoned only a few days ago," said the king.
"They're so brave," said Karima. "But I'm afraid… we might have trouble later…"
"Everyone has their own way of coping." A shadow fell across his eyes. "I wish I could be out there, looking for her… but it's true that right now I can do the most good here, directing the task force… coordinating efforts… I still don't feel like I'm doing all I can. There has to be something more. Especially when…" He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "My son… it's tearing him apart. I have to stay strong for him, but… it's breaking me, to see him like this."
"You're doing all you can," said Darya. "Although… perhaps we should look into more ways. More… unconventional ways. Since you've show you're not unwilling to go down such a path. Time is running out. The longer she's captured…."
"I know. I'm open to more unconventional ways. But there's a limit."
"Should there be? When it's Luna's life at stake?"
He looked at her sharply. Anguish tore through his eyes. Then he said, "There must always be limits. We…can't descend to what they are."
"I don't think you ever could. But tearing up these nests of crime—that is excising a cancer. There is no wrong in cutting out something malignant."
"Perhaps not. But there is a right way, and a wrong way. I would give my life, if it would save her. In a heartbeat."
Darya looked about to say something else, then she said softly, "So would I."
They finished supper and Roderick headed back to his office to make some calls. Karima took the girls to their room and Jason and Connie went back to their office.
Jason attended an online auction. Connie sat with him, and she wished she could scrub the images from her mind. At the same time, her heart broke for those young people trapped in that life.
Jason managed to buy an hour from several of them, which would at least give them some relief. The bidding got high and furious toward the end for the permanent slaves. Jason tried to buy a sweet Filipino girl about eleven, but he was outbid at the last minute.
All he could do was send the info on the site to Eugene and hope he could discover where the kids were so the government could raid the traffickers.
Afterwards, they watched the video of Elliot again and Jason fed the dialogue through an online linguistics analysis tool. It said the words of the masked man were of standard Muldavian origin and that they had a generally hostile intent, which wasn't especially enlightening. Then they turned their attention to minute sections of the screen, studying them one small square at a time. They didn't find anything that could identify the location.
"Perhaps we need to bring in more experts," Jason said. "Maybe we should check in with Markov. See if he's found anything."
Jason called him and the phone rang without answer. Jason was about to press "end" when Markov picked up. Jason put it on speaker.
"What is it?" said Markov, rather irritably.
"I've been…studying the video of Elliot."
"Thank you." His tone softened. "Have you found anything?"
"Not really. We were wondering if you had."
"Not…pertaining to his case, no. We're following a couple tenuous leads… We've also—well. Something's happened."
"What is it?" Alarm crept into Jason's voice.
"We went to Zelise to pick up Leon Kohl. We figured we could get more intel out of him than the locals. When we got there… it was a slaughterhouse."
"What did they do now?"
"Kohl is dead."