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HUGH AND TRINITY WAITED in the shadows across the street from the Howling Hut. The nightclub didn’t look like much from the outside. It was a small, brick building with gray, chipped paint and no windows, but it must have some appeal by the number of Guards entering the establishment.
“This is a Guards’ club. Are we going to wait until this Sassy comes out?” he asked, because if they were it was going to be a long, cold evening.
“No, although the bouncers are particular about who they allow inside, especially males.” She raised her brow at him. “I’d tell you to wait here, but it worked so well last time.” She glanced at Rocket and his friends who were loitering near the entrance obviously watching for them.
He was not going to apologize for keeping her out of a dangerous situation. “You’re not going in there alone.”
“I should’ve left you at camp. Sassy and I could be freeing Reese right now if it weren’t for you.”
“Or”—he nodded at the three, teenage Guards—“they could be...hurting you.” His tongue froze on the word rape.
“Pleeese.” She leaned against the wall. “I trained with Gaar and Mirra. I can handle Rocket and his friends.”
“One male, sure. You’re a good fighter.” She wasn’t as invincible as she thought, but she wouldn’t listen if he made her angry. He’d appeal to her ego because next time he might not be with her and the males might be older and more dangerous. “But when males get in groups they...sometimes do things that they wouldn’t do alone.”
“That’s true of everyone, not just males.”
“You’re right.” That wasn’t the point, but snapping at her wouldn’t help.
“About time you admitted it.” One side of her mouth quirked up in a grin.
He took a deep breath and mentally counted to ten. “Males are different. They can hurt you in ways that females can’t.”
“What do they do?” Her gold eyes were wide with false innocence. “Push you up against a wall and almost kiss you?”
“I shouldn’t have done that.” He raised his hand to run it through his hair, and dropped it when he felt the cloak. “I didn’t mean...I wasn’t going...” A tremor ran through his body. Maybe, he didn’t need Hugh Truent Senior’s blood coursing through his veins to hurt a female. “I’d never force you. Never. You understand that, don’t you?”
“I was kidding.” There was no censure or fear on her face, only concern. She trusted him and she should. He’d never hurt her, at least not in that way.
He cleared his throat. He needed to stay focused. Reese’s life, their lives depended on it. “When do you think those young Guards will give up and leave.” It was getting late. It had to be after midnight.
“They won’t. Sassy’s brother is even more stubborn than she is.”
“If we aren’t waiting for Sassy to come out and we aren’t waiting for those kids to leave, why are we just standing here?”
“Watch. Wait,” she mimicked Gaar.
“Don’t start with the smart prey-predator crap.”
“It seems you need to hear it again.”
He leaned against the wall, trying to find patience, but every moment they delayed was another moment that Reese was scared and alone or worse.
Another Guard joined the one at the door.
“Can you at least tell me why we’ve made a home here? The view isn’t great. It’s not comfortable or safe.” He was being a sarcastic ass but standing around doing nothing when a friend was in trouble didn’t sit well with him.
“Let’s go,” she moved out of the alleyway.
“Do you know that Guard?” He followed close behind her. “You could’ve told me we were waiting for another friend of yours.”
“Now who sounds like a child?”
It had sounded whiny but he wasn’t going to admit it. “What about them?”
Rocket and his friends moved between them and the entrance. He slid his hand under his cloak, grasping the knife.
“No need for that.” She grabbed his arm, her claws gently pressing through the cloth. “I told you, that’s Sassy’s brother.”
“You kids. Get out of here,” hollered the Guard who worked at the club.
“They threatened us with a knife.” Rocket pointed at them.
The bouncer’s frown turned into a large smile as his eyes landed on Trinity. “You’re lucky that’s all she did.” He wrapped her in a large hug, breaking her hold on Hugh’s arm. “I didn’t expect to see you around for a while.”
“Oh Sampson, you know nothing can keep me away from you.” She returned his hug.
“I only wish that were true.” Sampson laughed and let her go, but kept his hand on her waist.
“We need to speak with Sassy. Is she here?” she asked.
Hugh fought the urge to yank her away from the Guard. For a female who claimed to have no friends she seemed to have plenty of the male variety.
“Trinity didn’t threaten us. It was that guy,” said Rocket.
The bouncer turned toward Hugh, the smile slipping from his face.
“My friend”—she glanced at Hugh—“thought that Rocket and his friends were going to attack me.”
“He doesn’t know you very well,” said Sampson.
“He’s a slow learner.” She was fighting to keep the I-told-you-so look from her face, but was failing.
Hugh bit back his comment. She wasn’t going in there alone and arguing with her wouldn’t help to persuade the bouncer to let him inside.
“He’s coming with us.” Rocket had a snarl on his face and his hands were fisted at his sides.
He almost laughed. Did the kid really think he couldn’t handle three young punks?
“Now Rocket, you know I’m not going to let that happen.” Sampson pointed to Hugh. “This...Guard is a friend of Trinity’s so he’s a friend of mine.” His eyes met Hugh’s. “I’ll protect him with my life.” He stepped closer to the boys, towering over them. “And I don’t just mean tonight. You three need to go home and start using your brains. Be a little smarter when you choose your enemies.”
The boys grumbled, throwing obscenities at the adults as they wandered down the street.
Once they were out of earshot, Sampson whispered, “What brings High Hugh Truent to this part of the city?”
Trinity’s face paled and Hugh was sure his did too.
Sampson turned toward her. “Did you actually think a little soot would disguise him?”
“The boys didn’t recognize—”
“Those three wouldn’t recognize their own ass if they were sniffing it. Me on the other hand, I know the smell of an Almighty.”
“I think you’d better wait out here.” There was true worry in her large eyes.
“Nah,” said Sampson. “Most of the Guards are drunk. Plus, there’s a fire burning in the pit and a lot of cigarette smoke. No one is going to smell anything inside there. Keep your cloak on and your arms covered. You’ll be fine.”
“Thanks. I will.” If Samson had refused to let him enter, he wasn’t sure what he would’ve done. He didn’t want to be separated from Trinity, but according to her, they needed Sassy to save Reese.
As they walked past Sampson, the large Guard grabbed Hugh’s arm, stopping him. “I meant what I said. I’d give my life for you.”
Trinity hesitated, waiting for him.
“Why?” They were pressed for time. He should’ve nodded and continued walking but the question had slipped out. He didn’t know this Guard.
“Your mother saved my parents years ago. Ma and Dad never let any of us forget that everything we had was because of your family.” Sampson dropped his hold on Hugh’s arm. “If you ever need anything...”
“I’m sorry. I don’t remember your parents.” Sarah had had many pet projects over the years.
“You would’ve been pretty little and I don’t think they stayed long, if they stayed there at all. Ma and Dad were never clear on the details, but Sarah might not have wanted to risk having them around her children.”
As far as he knew Sarah had brought all her projects home to stay, at least for a little while.
“They were fighters,” said Sampson. “Sarah saved their lives. Got them out of that business.”
“I’m glad my...mom helped you and your family.” He glanced at Trinity who fidgeted in the doorway. “But, we do have to get going.” He held out his hand.
Sampson looked at it in confusion for a moment. Then the Guard’s face flushed a bit and they shook hands. Sampson stood a little straighter as they walked past.
The club was dark and Sampson was right, it stunk. The odor of stale alcohol and cigarettes permeated the room. The music was loud with a repetitive beat, not catchy at all, but the dance floor was full of young Guards, bumping and grinding to the steady rhythm. The strobes lights flashed, painting them in different colors.
Trinity scanned the crowd and then said something.
“What?” he shouted.
She shook her head and took his hand, leading him across the room. She must come here often by the nods and waves from the Guards they passed, the mostly male Guards. His hand stung from his injuries, but he tightened his hold on her and stayed close, letting everyone know that tonight she was with him. She stopped by a group of young Guards who stood next to the band. She leaned in and said something to one of the females. The Guard pointed down the hallway. Trinity frowned and turned toward him, putting her lips next to his ear. Her warm breath tickled his neck and he struggled to focus on her words.
“Wait here. Sassy’s in the bathroom.” She nodded toward the hallway where the Guard had pointed.
He grabbed her arm as she started to move away. He leaned close until his lips brushed against her ear. She stiffened. He wished he knew if that was because she was attracted to him, or because she was angry that he’d stopped her. It was probably the latter. She didn’t like being told what to do, so he’d phrase it as a question. “Can’t you wait for her to come out?”
“No. I should talk to her now.” She pulled free from his grasp and slipped down the hallway.
He leaned his shoulder against the wall, keeping an eye on the bathroom. A new song started, the beat almost the same as the last, and the group of young Guards left to dance. Trinity was hiding something from him. It’d been written all over her expressive face. He’d give her until the song ended and then...
A large hand landed over his mouth. He flung his elbow backward, hitting his assailant in the gut. His arm reverberated at the contact with the solid wall of muscle. Shit! This wasn’t Rocket. This was an adult male—a large, muscular, adult male. He’d need more than his fists to fight this guy. His hand went to his side and the male’s other arm wrapped around his body, stopping his desperate reach for the knife.
“Stop fighting me, Hugh,” said a raspy voice in his ear, as he was dragged down the hallway.
There was no way that was going to happen. This male knew his name and that couldn’t be good. He kicked and struggled, knocking his hood off in the process, but it was no use. The Guard stopped a few feet from the women’s restroom. He prayed that Trinity would stay in the bathroom. Whatever happened, he didn’t want her hurt. The Guard opened a door and shoved him into the room. He stumbled forward and spun around, unsheathing his knife as the door slammed shut in his face.
“High Hugh Truent, I was wondering when you’d show up.”
He turned in the direction of the voice. A middle-aged, male Almighty sat at a table with a small lamp. He glanced around the room. It was a small office with no windows, no backdoor and, fortunately, nowhere for anyone to hide. The two of them were alone.
“Everyone thought I was nuts for hanging out here. Sure, it’s dangerous for Almightys in this section of town, but”—the other Almighty tapped his temple—“I know people and I knew you’d end up around Guards, especially once Reese was taken.” He paused. “Sorry about that, by-the-way.”
Hugh tipped his head in acknowledgment of the sentiment about Reese. There were no windows and the only door was the one behind him where he was sure the behemoth who’d kidnapped him waited. He tightened his grip on his knife, shifting his focus to the other Almighty. The man had short brown hair that was graying at the temple, a long, thin face and was in decent physical shape. He looked familiar but Hugh had no idea who the man was.
The stranger smiled. His teeth were very white in his pale face. “Please sit.” He motioned to the chair across from him. “You can put the knife away. You’re safe with me.”
“Sorry.” He dropped his hand to his side but didn’t sheath the knife. “I don’t have time for a chat. Maybe, later.” He edged closer to the door.
“We need to talk now.” The Almighty’s tone was friendly but firm. “Bruno is waiting outside the door. He doesn’t want to hurt you, but he won’t let you leave until I tell him it’s okay. He’s very loyal.”
He leaned against the door, his hand on the knob. Trinity wasn’t going to be happy when she found him missing. She’d probably blame him for not being invisible enough. “What do we need to talk about?” He prayed it wasn’t turning him over to the authorities because fighting that bruiser of a Guard wouldn’t be easy, but at least now he had his knife.
“You don’t recognize me, do you?”
“I wish I could say that I do.” Then he’d know if the other man was friend or foe.
“I haven’t aged that much.” The Almighty rubbed his hand over his chin. “I’m Townsend. I was a friend of Buddy’s. His father was my family’s Guard.”
The reporter. Recognition must have shown on his face for Townsend smiled again, but it quickly faded.
“I’m sorry about Buddy.”
“Yeah. Me too.” He sheathed his knife as he strode across the room and sat on one of the chairs in front of the desk. “I can’t believe it but I miss his attitude and sarcastic comments.” That was true, but what he really missed was knowing that no matter what someone had his back. Of course, that’s what had gotten the Guard killed.
“He did speak his mind.” Townsend laughed. “You always knew how Buddy felt about everything.” He sobered. “It’s sad he’s gone, but it was probably for the best.”
“How do you figure that?” There was no way that Buddy’s death was a good thing.
“Don’t get mad. Buddy was my friend. All I meant was that he wouldn’t have stood down while you were arrested.”
Townsend was right. Buddy would never have let him be taken, no matter what order he’d given the old Guard. At least they’d been spared that. The Almightys who’d arrested him would have executed Buddy on the spot. He wasn’t sure he could’ve survived the pain in Buddy’s eyes when the old Guard realized that he’d failed. As it was, Buddy’s last act, saving him from the Stocker, had been successful.
Townsend clapped his hands together. “Enough of that. Let’s talk business.”
“Business?” He jumped at the chance to focus on the present. Lately, all his memories twisted into nightmares.
“Yes. I need more material. You have an eager audience.”
“What are you talking about?”
Townsend leaned forward. “I won’t give you my source, but some of your reports ended up in my hands. They’ve been printed and distributed.”
That explained a lot about the rebellion, but how had Townsend gotten ahold of his papers. Either Mike from the pub wasn’t dead or one of the others had managed to hand over the reports before being killed.
“That was a long time ago. I need more.” Townsend lowered his voice, although it was unnecessary with the loud music in the other room. “The revolution is waning. We need more proof, more victories.”
He hesitated. Townsend’s role in this was a mystery. The reporter couldn’t use his real name on the byline, not if he wanted to live, so he wasn’t gaining fame or recognition. He doubted that Townsend was charging for the stories. Most of those who’d be interested in articles like these were living on the streets and eating garbage. Still, in certain sects Townsend’s fictitious name would become well known, but the man had been a successful reporter before the revolution. Until he figured out Townsend’s motive, he’d consider the man a questionable ally, but he was more likely to get a lab if two people were working toward that goal. “Then, I need a lab.”
“Not sure that I can help you with that but let me look into it.”
“I do have to get back.” He stood, hoping Trinity hadn’t left the bathroom yet. He didn’t want to have to explain all this to her, especially since he wasn’t sure exactly what was going on.
“I don’t know why I’m going to waste my breath, but don’t risk your neck for Reese. There are bigger issues at stake than the life of one Guard.”
“Not to her.”
“No, probably not.” Townsend stood. “You do know that they’ll be waiting for you. They didn’t take her on a whim.”
“I know.” It was a trap. It wouldn’t be easy convincing Trinity to let him take all the risks, but he would or he’d go to the nearest police officer and surrender. He wasn’t going to let her be captured too.
“Is there anything that I can say to convince you to leave the city without the Guard?”
“Reese doesn’t deserve this. She didn’t do anything.”
“You’ve seen the city now. No one deserves to be forced to live like that either. You know of the atrocities that are committed on the other classes every day. The atrocities that have been committed on them for years. None of them deserve that.”
“I can’t help them all.” He ran his hand through his hair.
“But you can. With you, we can win this war. Change the way people think. Change lives.” Townsend’s face heated with passion.
“You don’t need me to do that. I handed over scientific proof. You turned it into a story people could get behind. The war needs you, not me.”
“You would’ve made a brilliant politician.” Townsend’s eyes narrowed a bit. “Maybe, you still will.”
“I don’t think politics is in my future any longer.” Once he had his revenge and killed Conguise, he’d be executed and that was fine because at least, he’d deserve that punishment.
“I’ll see what I can do about a lab, so don’t get caught.”
“Trust me, I’m not suicidal.” He held out his hand.
“I think I’ll report on your rescue of Reese. Whether it’s a success or attempt, it’ll breathe some oxygen into the revolutionary fire. High Hugh Truent risks his own life to free his young Guard.” He shook Hugh’s hand.
“Please don’t use my title. It doesn’t apply any longer.”
“The readers love it.”
“I don’t care. Don’t use it.” He couldn’t keep the disdain from his words.
“Okay.” Townsend studied him. “I’ll be in touch.”
“How? No one knows where I’m staying.” Or they’d better not.
“I know a little birdie.” Townsend smiled.
Ah, that made sense. Birdie was everywhere. Of course, that meant he had to be careful. He could probably trust Townsend, but the Supreme Almighty could bribe or force anyone to reveal information. If someone didn’t have a price, they had a secret.
“Remember, the sooner I get a lab, the sooner you’ll have stories.”
“I’ll do my best and Hugh, do be careful. Whether you believe it or not, the revolution needs you.”
He pulled his hood up and left the room. He’d changed his mind. He was definitely going to tell Trinity about this conversation. It was proof that the best thing he could do for the rebellion was work in the lab. If he could convince her that his science was important, maybe they could rework their deal. He had to run his tests even if he got the serum done right away, but he didn’t want to break his word to her because somehow, over the past two days she’d become more than Tim’s daughter, more than an attractive, irritating female and he feared, even more than his friend.