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CONNOR BREATHED A SIGH of relief when the villa door opened. He spotted Darcy on the balcony, gazing into the falling rain.
Connor knew what his foster father was doing: analyzing their situation from every possible angle. Darcy’s ability to strategize—even in the heat of the moment—was a rare gift, one Connor envied.
“Ah, Colonel Rucker, and Sheila.” Darcy stepped inside the villa, closing the balcony door. He approached them, extending his arms as if greeting long-lost friends. “I see you’ve brought some of your colleagues. Good welcome to you.”
Tony fidgeted beside Connor, looking uncomfortable.
Take it easy, Tony. Connor fumed at the chauffeur’s lack of professionalism. You’ll make them suspicious.
Garr led the way into the middle of the room, flanked by his companions. Unlike the feigned enthusiasm of his host, he seemed detached and wary.
“Good welcome, Darcy,” he said evenly, meeting his gaze as if they were equals. “Allow me to introduce you to my team.”
“Don Bernard.” The big man tugged at the sleeves of the garment they’d provided for him. He offered no handshake, standing aloof and defiant beside the Colonel. Connor hid a smirk, knowing the burly savage’s future.
Jane shoved forward, sticking out her hand. “I’m Jane,” she said with a wide and insincere smile. Connor seethed anew. “But you can call me Snake Lady.”
Darcy regarded her with icy eyes.
“Charming,” he said dryly, ignoring her out-thrust hand.
He averted his eyes, looking over her head to Garr. “If this delinquent child is the best you can offer, Colonel, we’ll do our best to work with her.”
Jane’s mouth dropped open and her hands balled into fists. Sheila caught her arm with a firm hand.
“Remember who the real enemy is,” she stage-whispered, dragging Jane away from Darcy.
Don shifted position, standing with his feet shoulder-width apart. The subtle movement did not go unnoticed. Darcy eyed him with frank appraisal, sizing him up.
“Colonel, as Sheila just reminded us, we have a common enemy.” Darcy’s eyes never left Don. “The Givers have taken some bold steps, and our window of opportunity is closing faster than expected.”
“So Connor says,” Garr replied, warning Jane with a stern look. “The last time we spoke, Councilor, none of you were part of the Anodyne Initiative. Connor tells me that particular window is about to close, as well.”
“Tomorrow morning.” There was no change in Darcy’s expression as he uttered the words. He might have been commenting on the weather. “As a respected Council member, I’ll lead my fellow Citizens by example, giving the Anodyne Initiative my full endorsement by my participation.”
“Who’s holding the gun to your head?” Don’s baritone drawl dripped with sarcasm. He eyed Darcy with a mixture of suspicion and doubt. “You expect us to believe you’re doing this for the greater good of Hoarderville?”
Connor kept silent by sheer willpower, comforted by the thought the arrogant behemoth would soon be Implanted. You won’t be so mouthy then.
Darcy regarded his mocker with a dispassionate stare, allowing the moment to supersaturate with tension before he deigned to reply.
“There are very few things I wouldn’t do for the good of the Enclave,” he said at last, his voice rich with scorn. “I have no desire to enable the Givers to track my every move. But to protect our alliance, I will. For the good of the Enclave.”
The savages stood in a tight cluster in the middle of the room. Connor couldn’t tell if any of them took Darcy’s speech at face value or not.
He crossed the room to stand between his foster father and the savages. He kept his back to the unpredictable group, shunning them as if they weren’t there. He hoped they noticed. “I’ve already explained how it would look if we didn’t show up. They understand the collaborators will be watching for any hold-outs.”
He took a deep breath, relieved it didn’t sound too shaky. “Where, and what time, tomorrow?”
Darcy shook his head before Connor finished asking the question. “You’re not coming with me, Connor. It’s important that you’re able to move under the Givers’ radar for as long as possible. I alone will volunteer tomorrow.”
Connor opened his mouth to protest, but Darcy stopped him with a frosty look. Don’t argue—he’s made up his mind. “You’re a dedicated university student, Connor. You couldn’t afford time away from your classes. Of course, as the son of a prominent Councilor, you’ll gladly accept your node.”
Darcy allowed himself a cold smile. “But not yet.”
Connor ducked his head in a quick nod, recognizing the alibi his foster father had just provided. “Understood, sir.”
Darcy looked past him to the silent knot of savages.
“Where are my manners?” He gestured to the dining table with great enthusiasm. “You must be famished after your long trek through the sewage system. The least I can do is offer you some proper nourishment.”
No one moved. Connor tensed, very aware that the savages outnumbered them.
Darcy appealed to Garr and Sheila. “Join us, please. Remember how well we fed you during your first visit.” He beamed like an exuberant restaurateur.
Connor wondered if they’d balk at his invitation, but there was no need to worry. Garr took a seat at the table, and the others followed suit.
Tony coughed, muffling the sound behind his hand. He’d stayed just inside the front door since they’d entered. He gave Darcy an imploring look, gesturing at the closed portal.
“Yes, of course.” Darcy answered his unspoken question. His impatience suggested he’d forgotten Tony’s presence. “I’ll send for you later.”
The chauffeur nodded with obsequious gratitude, slipping out before Darcy finished speaking.
“Tony has a wife and children. He’s a good father.” Darcy spoke to the savages as if they were old friends. “It’s a pity he can’t join us, but one must admire his priorities.”
Darcy seated himself with a flourish at the head of the table, gesturing to Connor to sit at the opposite end, facing him. Connor obliged, astounded at the lengths Darcy was going to. The feast was extravagant, overloading the table with steaming platters of choice cuisine.
Connor repressed a smile. He’s pulling out all the stops to lull their suspicions. Personally, I wouldn’t have wasted our best food on them.
The savages picked at their food at first, but the enticing aromas won them over in little time. Even Jane was wolfing her food down as if she hadn’t eaten in years.
Connor smirked as he ate. We’re all eating from the same menu. That should put them at ease.
He caught himself humming an old tune, and realized his mood was improving.
Two additional Implants by morning. That, by itself, was worth celebrating.