"All right, let's get this started," Noah said.
Macy crouched in the dark, hoping no one would come or go from the silo. Opening the front door just a crack, she decided if someone did find her, she could claim she tripped on her way outside. It seemed plausible as the small entryway became immersed in blackness when both doors remained closed.
"We had four murders last night," he continued. "The police chief is putting out a midnight curfew, which has the restaurants and bars in a snit. Those two hours before the two a.m. last call bring in a lot of business for them."
"Everyone's trying to get enough food in them so the hangover won't be too bad the next day," Blake commented.
"Or, they don't care about the hangover and want to make sure they are good and sauced before heading home," Jovan countered.
A few chuckles emanated from the vent.
"Blake, pull up the crime scene photos the police sent over."
It remained silent for a few moments, then someone said, "Oh, man. That's some nasty shit."
She shut her eyes and tried to imagine what they could be looking at. Someone decapitated? Hung?
"Yeah, it is," Noah continued. "But look beyond the gore at this part of the picture."
"That's fucking ash," Hudson said.
When a Colonist killed someone, they left a black ash behind. Her brow furrowed. The Colonist, Daniel, hadn't been spotted for over a year, nor had there been any indication that he had been responsible for any of the murders in the city. They'd been going on the assumption that he had his followers do his killing.
"Am I correct to assume you haven't seen anything like this in a while?" Kade asked.
Noah sighed. "Yes, you are."
"So what does it mean?" Kade continued.
"It means that our Colonist has come out of hiding and wants to play," Hudson said.
"One thing you need to understand is that they are true sociopaths. We knew he'd eventually make an appearance because he can't stay away from the limelight. It probably drove him crazy that these murders were being reported on, but he wasn't responsible for any of them," Nico explained. "He gets a thrill from killing, and there's only so long before he has to give in to the base urges."
She shut her eyes. The make-up of the Colonist terrified her, and she simply didn't understand the need to kill, especially when the need to heal seemed ingrained in her genetic make-up and embedded in her soul.
"So we're doubling up on the patrols tonight," Noah said. "If he's out and about, we have a chance of killing him, and we can skip trying to catch the smaller fish."
There were a few moments of quiet talk, and she stood.
Just as she was about to leave, Noah asked, "Now, what's going on with Titus?"
Sinking back down to the floor, she concentrated on what was said.
"He's doing okay," Blake said. "He's still in a bad place."
"He's not going to off himself or anything, right?" Noah asked.
"I can't promise that," Hudson answered.
"I just spent a shit-ton of money to have this place renovated. The last thing we need is brain matter all over the walls," Noah commented.
"Have a little sympathy, Noah. The male has lost his mate," Kade said, his voice laced with anger.
"I know. That was wrong. I'm just worried about him. He's in an ugly space, and I'm just trying to make light of the situation. Bad joke. I'm sorry."
Quiet settled over the room, then Noah asked, "Do any of you think he'll ever be well enough to help us in our fight? It would be good to have another body out on patrols."
"He's definitely strong enough physically," Blake said.
"Agreed," Roman concurred. "It's what's going on between his ears that we need to worry about."
"And that's where he needs to be the most stable," Chance added.
"Axel, you've been quiet. What do you have to say?" Noah asked.
After a brief pause, he spoke. "Not a lot. I agree with everything that's been said."
"Okay. Everyone take it easy today, but be ready to hit it hard tonight," Noah said. "Anyone have anything else they’d like to add?"
"Yes," Kade interjected. "I would like my own laptop to keep in my quarters, please."
"For what? So you can watch more porn?" Blake asked.
Laughter filled the room, and when it died down, Kade spoke up. "You're very funny, Blake. However, I would like the laptop to work on some computer programs at night when I can't sleep. It would be much easier for me to work on them in my room then to have to come up to the War Room."
"Consider it done," Noah said. "Anything else?"
"I could use some help down in the gym," Nico said. "Holly is coming over to train with Alaina and Annis. Somehow, I got elected to be in charge, and it would be nice to have someone else down there with me."
"Should Annis be training yet?" Jovan asked.
"I don't know. I leave that up to people who know a lot more about having babies than me," Nico answered. "Anyone want to help?"
His plea was met with silence.
"Screw you, guys," he finally said.
"Ask Justice," Chance said. "He's hasn't been able to leave Holly's side, so I'm sure he'd be fine helping out. I've got important stuff to do."
"Like what?" Nico asked.
"I need a nap."
Macy giggled, despite her attempt to be covert. She could use a nap, as well. Healing Roman had drained her.
"Okay, everyone have a good day," Noah said when the laughter died down.
Macy stood and scrambled into the kitchen.
"Where were you?" Alaina said as Macy shut the door.
"Oh, um ... just out for a quick walk."
She didn't feel guilty about her eavesdropping. Perhaps the other females in the house were told what was going on during their pillow talk, but she had no one to share a bed with. She liked to be in the know, so she needed to resort to sneaky ways.
"I think I'll go lie down," she announced before Alaina could question her further.
As she rode the elevator down to her quarters, she considered what she'd heard. The thought of Titus going out on patrol made her stomach turn. She didn't think he would be strong enough physically, or mentally.
Then she remembered she hadn't brought him breakfast.
She sighed, but she needed to rest. She'd make sure he got lunch.