The afternoon sunshine blazed across the awning of their booth at the farmer’s market in Banya City Park. Rayne grabbed another box of lizzy fruit to pack away in one of the crates when his younger brother nudged him in the side with his elbow. “Hey,” Lark said, “check it out…”
Rayne followed his brother’s hopeful gaze to find Lexa Baker and two of her girlfriends talking and laughing together just outside her father’s booth, where he sold the best meat skewers in the city.
“Maybe I should go over there,” Lark said. “You can handle this, right? I promise I’ll be back in a minute to help you finish cleaning up.”
Rayne had to laugh a little. He was well aware of his brother’s longtime crush on Lexa Baker. “Sure,” Rayne said, “I can take care of it. But you better bring me back a couple of those meat skewers.”
Lark grinned and slapped Rayne on the back, “You got it. I owe you one,” and then he trotted off across the grass.
Rayne glanced back up just before Lark reached the girls at the booth full of meat skewers only to see all three of them giggle and scamper away before Lark could catch their attention.
Rayne shook his head and chuckled as he watched his brother stop short with a befuddled look on his face.
Five seconds later, it became clear to both of them what it was that had ensnared the girls’ attention so abruptly—Jax Bennett.
A swarm of females, both young and old, were buzzing around him like bees around a hive, swooning and calling out his praises in hopes for a picture or an autograph.
Rayne had spent enough time around Jax to know that he was really like two people in one. He had two main sides to him that he basically rotated between... private mode and show mode. By the look of his flamboyant hair style, loud clothing, and the two scantily dressed women hanging on his arms by his side, Rayne knew that Jax was undoubtedly in show mode.
Rayne, on the other hand, had been careful to keep his interactions to a minimum, wearing an old hat and dark glasses to help him go unnoticed. He did have a few customers recognize him throughout the day, but luckily, they were gracious enough to keep his whereabouts a secret.
Lark sulked back to their booth with a paper plate full of meat skewers. Rayne reached to grab one but Lark pulled the plate away. “Your friend over there is stealing all the ladies,” Lark said. He held up the plate of meat and lifted his eyebrows. “This entire plate is yours if you can get him to disappear.”
“Okay, you’re on,” Rayne said. He held out his hand as if to seal the deal with a handshake. When Lark reached out his free hand in return, Rayne moved quickly to the plate and grabbed one of the skewers. Before his brother could complain, Rayne took a huge bite. “Don’t worry,” Rayne joked, “that was just the down payment. I’ll have your girls back and ready to flirt in no time.”
Jax’s entourage of fans had come to a standstill in front of the meat stand while Jax sauntered to the front of the line to order some food. Rayne took the opportunity and slipped in line quietly behind his friend. As if pretending to be a jealous bystander he purposely bumped Jax’s shoulder from behind and in a curt voice said, “Hey, buddy, why don’t you go get a real job like the rest of us and stop hogging all our women.”
Jax turned, looking ready for a fight, when Rayne pulled down his shades with a laugh. Jax stopped as he recognized Rayne’s face and grinned. “Rayne! Buddy!” Jax said. “You almost had me there. I was ready to bust your nose in.”
“Well,” Rayne replied, “I know how much you love a good brawl in the park.”
Jax lifted his brow. “You got that right.”
Lexa Baker’s father handed Jax a plate of meat skewers from behind the counter, and then turned in Rayne’s direction. “Can I get something for you?”
“No thanks,” Rayne said. “I have a plate waiting for me.” He tilted his head in the direction of their booth, where his brother was ripping off a fat chunk of meat from one of the skewers with his teeth.
Jax smirked and handed Rayne a skewer from off his plate. “You’ll be lucky if your brother doesn’t eat the sticks too.”
Rayne accepted the skewer of meat and chuckled. “You’re probably right.” Before he could take a bite, two young girls, probably still school-age, ran up to greet them.
“Jax!” the girls squealed. “Jax! Can we get a photo?”
Jax put on a charismatic smile and waved the girls over. One of them looked like she was about to cry. “I’m your biggest fan,” she said to him, voice shaky. “I have all your posters and action figures and everything.”
The other girl shoved a camera excitedly in Rayne’s direction. “Can you take a picture for us?” she said.
Rayne laughed to himself as he replied, “Sure, no problem.” He held out his hand to take the camera from the girl when she froze and went white.
She stared up at his face as if suddenly able to see past the sunglasses. “Wait, you’re—” She swallowed. “You look just like…” Then she spun to her friend and squealed again. “Brendi!” she called to her. “Brendi, look! It’s Rayne Stevens!”
“Rayne Stevens? Are you serious? He almost never comes to the city!” Her friend’s eyes bulged as she rushed over to meet them.
The girl near Rayne giggled as she turned back to him. “Don’t tell Jax,” she said with hushed excitement, “but you’re actually our favorite.”
Rayne couldn’t help but chuckle, sending an amused look over to Jax. But then he realized they were holding up the line at the meat stand and quickly asked Lexa’s father to snap a picture of the group, so he could usher the girls off to the side.
Before anyone else could approach them, Jax made eye contact with Rayne and flicked his head to the side, signaling for Rayne to follow him behind the back of the booth. Rayne nodded in agreement and they ducked silently behind the corner where they could stay out of sight.
“Sorry about all that,” Jax said when they were alone. “I know you like to keep a low profile when you’re out. I was just in the mood for a little distraction. I didn’t realize you were going to be in the park today.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Rayne said. “No harm done. It’s really Sadie that I’m worried about when we go out anyway. I don’t want to drag her into all of the craziness, you know what I mean? She has enough to deal with as it is.”
“Yeah, for sure,” Jax agreed, “especially after what she went through yesterday.”
“Yesterday?” Rayne asked. “Why? Did Sadie tell you about the nightmare?”
Jax shook his head. “No, I mean the thing… at her session…”
Rayne’s neck went tight. “What thing?”
Jax looked at him like he was completely clueless. “You know… the thing… with the guy at her healing session…” He paused after every few words, fully expecting Rayne to know exactly what he was talking about. Jax’s face wrinkled. “Wait, she told you, right? I mean, of course she told you…”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Rayne said, his voice stiff. “What happened at her session yesterday?”
Jax swallowed awkwardly. “Um, the test subject died… and this morning she told me that she thought it was her fault. She was pretty upset.”
Rayne’s heart dropped. Sadie was blaming herself for someone’s death? Why didn’t he know this? How could he possibly not know this?
Rayne winced. This was a huge deal. It had to be killing Sadie inside. Just the thought of her upset over something so difficult made every muscle in his body ache. How could he be so blind that he didn’t see it in her eyes?
And why didn’t she feel like she could tell him?
“Man, I’m sorry,” Jax said. “I assumed you knew.” Jax placed a hand on Rayne’s shoulder. “She probably just didn’t want to worry you, you know?”
An onslaught of questions raced through Rayne’s head. Why didn’t Sadie tell him? They told each other everything now, didn’t they? Was she worried he would blame her, make her feel even worse? She had to know he would never do that.
So then, why? Why would she choose to go through something like that alone?
But then he realized… she hadn’t gone through it alone. She had confided in Jax.
Rayne could barely respond. His jaw started to shake. “I have to go,” he said to Jax curtly. “I told my brother I’d help clean up.”
Rayne immediately turned away.
“Want some help?” Jax called after him.
“No,” Rayne insisted. “I’ve got it.”
He had to get out of there before he did something he might regret.
The faces around him were nothing but a blur as he pushed through the crowded marketplace, fighting the frustration.
Why didn’t she tell him? There had to be a good reason. But there were so many bad reasons taking over his thoughts.
Just as Rayne reached his brother at their booth, the building across the street caught his eye. Rayne stopped abruptly and changed direction. He just needed to talk it out. He needed to talk to a friend.
“Hey, where are you going?” Lark called after him. “We still have a bunch of crates to load.”
Rayne turned in his haste. “I’ll be back,” he called to his brother. “There’s someone I need to talk to.”
Rayne hurried up the grand steps at the Court of Ambassadors and crossed the foyer, heading toward security.
As he approached the screening area, Rayne pulled out his identification badge from his wallet and handed it to the Court guard. “Yes, hi,” Rayne said. “I’m here to see Agent Hastings in room 405.”
Even though Ash wasn’t locked up in a prison cell down in the basement anymore, the Council still kept him under close supervision. A Court guard escorted Rayne up to the fourth floor, joining the other guard already standing outside Ash’s room.
“You have twenty minutes,” the guard said to Rayne.
After a loud knock on the door, it swung open. Ash’s face appeared through the doorway, wearing a grin. “Hey, snowflake,” Ash greeted, “come on in.”
Rayne felt relieved at the familiar face. It even felt good to hear his old nickname from their days as roommates back at the Academy.
Rayne chuckled as he entered the room. “Wow, I haven’t been called that in years. I’m surprised you even remembered.”
Ash shrugged. “Once a snowflake, always a snowflake, my friend.”
“I have to admit,” Rayne said, “I never really understood why you guys called me that. We don’t even have snow in Banya.”
Ash smirked. “Oh, you know the old saying… pure as the driven snow…”
“Seriously? That’s where that came from?” Rayne shook his head and laughed under his breath. “I guess I was always the strait-laced one in the group.”
“Don’t worry,” Ash teased, “I forgive you.” He plopped down in a green velvet armchair at the center of the room. “So, what’s new? I haven’t seen you in almost two weeks. I was beginning to think you forgot me.”
“I know; I’m sorry. I meant to come sooner,” Rayne said.
Ash grabbed a handful of nuts off the side table and tossed a few in his mouth. “Come on, I’ve been locked up in this room for over a month. You have to fill me in on all the dirt.”
The last time Rayne came to visit, Ash was still beating himself up for his past mistakes. Rayne expected his friend to sound somewhat upset, as usual, but Ash’s tone was surprisingly light.
Rayne sat in the armchair beside him and eyed his friend. “You seem like you’re in a good mood.”
Ash lifted both eyebrows. “That’s because I am. Guess who finally called me into his office for a meeting…”
Rayne’s eyes grew bright with understanding. “Ambassador Thompson?”
“Yep,” Ash said with a grin.
“So, the Council has finally come to their senses and decided to take you up on your offer to help?”
Ash rolled his eyes. “More like they’ve tried every possible thing they could think of to track down my devil of a father on their own, and failed miserably. I guess they’re finally desperate enough to use me.”
Rayne glanced over with concern. “I’m sure they’re just being cautious.”
“Of course they are,” Ash replied. “I’m the son of a monster. They wouldn’t be letting me do any of this if it weren’t for Hamlin. He was the one who convinced them to give me another chance. Not that I deserve it.”
Rayne wanted to protest, but Ash continued without pause.
“Anyway,” Ash said, “all the intel I gave them checks out, so I guess they’re ready to take a chance on trusting me.”
Rayne looked at Ash intently. “I’m sure Hamlin had a lot of sway in their decision, but the only reason they listened to him is because they know what a good agent you are. That’s why they’re willing to work with you.”
Ash shrugged. “You don’t need to give me a pep talk. Honestly, it doesn’t matter either way.” Then, his eyes narrowed and a wicked grin tore across his face. “All I care about is getting my chance to finally stare my father in the eyes and tell him how happy I’m going to be when he’s sent back to exile to rot in Cayno for the rest of his life.”
Rayne wasn’t sure how to respond. He knew Ash had suffered at his father’s hand all his life, and he hoped he would have the chance to find some semblance of closure, but the anger in Ash’s voice was a little disconcerting.
“I think we can all agree,” Rayne finally said, “that Voss Hastings has to answer for the terrible wrongs he committed.” Rayne took a quiet breath and glanced at his friend with concern. “I just hope you’re able to find some peace in your life so you can move on.”
Ash smiled. “Oh, I think I will.” He leaned forward in his seat. “And how would you like to help me get there?”
“Just tell me what you need,” Rayne said. “You know I’m willing to help any way I can.”
“I was hoping you would say that. The Council agreed to let me assemble my own team for the mission.” Ash rolled his eyes. “With their approval, of course. But you know they can’t say no to letting me bring along their golden-boy.” The corner of Ash’s mouth curled upward. “That’s you, in case you were wondering.”
“Me? Join the mission?” Rayne said. “Oh, uh… I don’t know…”
“Come on, buddy. I need someone I can trust out there. What’s wrong? I thought you would be jumping at the chance.”
Rayne squinted. “Normally I would, it’s just... well, Sadie’s been going through a lot lately. The Council is squeezing every ounce of energy out of her they can, and I really want to be here for her.”
“Listen,” Ash said, “I know you’re worried about her, but when you think about it, Sadie wants my father to suffer the consequences he deserves just as much as we do. She would understand.”
Rayne’s resolve faltered. He looked at the floor. “I want to go,” he began, “but Sadie seems even more stressed out and tired here than she did back in California. More than anyone should on Ambrosia, especially here in Banya. I’m worried her Watermark still isn’t working right. I told you how she didn’t heal right away when I first brought her here, right? After you… I mean, you know, after…”
“After I shot her,” Ash said plainly. “It’s okay, you can say it. I’ll be the first to admit I was completely messed up in the head to help my swine of a father.” Ash took a breath and stared at his hands. “So… speaking of your girlfriend… did you get a chance to, you know, talk to her for me?”
Rayne hesitated. “Oh, right. Um, I did, but… she refuses to come see you. I tried to tell her how bad you feel about everything, but—”
“No, it’s okay,” Ash cut in. “I was expecting that.” He paused for only a moment, and then went on with the conversation as if he hadn’t asked in the first place.
“So anyway,” Ash continued, “according to Ambassador Thompson, there have been an alarming number of violent Healing Water thefts on Earth this month. And how much do you want to bet that my father is behind all of them? You can’t tell me it wouldn’t feel good to be there when we take him down.”
Rayne gave Ash a meaningful look.
Of course it would feel good. Voss had caused more suffering than any other criminal from Ambrosia, especially to Sadie and her family.
“We both know what my father is capable of,” Ash went on. “And I can guarantee you he’s planning to do more than just steal a few bottles of healing water. We need to get out there and stop him, now, while his resources are still low.” Ash looked at Rayne intently. “Come with us,” he urged. “My father hurt you and Sadie just as much as he hurt me. He hurt her family, her parents. This is your chance to make things right for her.”
Rayne glanced up quietly. “Okay. I’ll think about it. How soon do you need an answer?”
“By Tuesday at the latest. We’re heading out in a week. No pressure, though; just talk to Sadie over the weekend and let me know what you decide.”
Rayne nodded. “I’ll let you know.”
Ash smiled. “Actually, I was thinking about bringing Honeycutt and Jax in as well. You know, bring the old gang together. What do you think? It could be just like old times.”
Rayne should have been fine with the idea, but at the mention of Jax’s name his body went stiff.
“You don’t exactly look excited,” Ash said. “What’s the problem? I thought you loved those guys.”
“Yeah, they’re great. It’s just…” Rayne paused and shook his head. “Never mind. It’s fine.”
“Okay, I’m not an idiot, Rayne. Something is obviously bothering you. And those guards at my door are probably planning to shove you out of here any minute now, so you better start talking.”
Rayne took a breath. “It’s just… I’m probably blowing this out of proportion, but I get the feeling that Jax is interested in being more than friends with Sadie.”
Ash shook his head. “Even if he is interested, I highly doubt a guy like Jax is Sadie’s type. You have nothing to worry about. Jax is all about living the high life and popularity and putting on a good show. From what you’ve told me, Sadie’s not into that kind of thing.”
“Actually,” Rayne replied, “she keeps coming home and telling me how he’s changed and wants out of the spotlight, and how she wishes people could see the real him… I mean, with all the training in the mornings, they’ve been spending a lot of time together. I think they’ve been getting really close.”
“Okay, I see your concern,” Ash said, “but Sadie was friends with a lot of guys back in California, right? And you never had any problems with them, at least not from her end. So maybe you just need to trust her, you know?”
“I do. I do trust her,” Rayne said. “Honestly, I don’t even think she looks at him that way.” Rayne swallowed. “At least, not yet. But, what if…what if Jax is what she actually needs? I mean, maybe he would be better for her in the long run.”
Ash scoffed. “Seriously? You’re joking, right?”
“No,” Rayne insisted. “I’m serious.”
“Okay, just let me stop you there,” Ash cut in. “Rayne… buddy… you have absolutely no reason to doubt yourself. I have nothing against Jax at all, but he’s not the right guy for her, okay? You are.”
Rayne sighed. “You know I want to believe that, but—”
“But, nothing,” Ash said firmly. “Listen, I hate to be the one to bring this up, but I was spying on the two of you for months, and let me tell you, if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that you and that girl are head over heels in love with each other. I don’t care how great a guy Jax is, Sadie is in love with you.”
Rayne felt the truth in his friend’s words. Sadie loved him and he loved her. He just needed someone to reassure him. He sighed, exhaling his relief.
“Maybe just a word of advice, though,” Ash added.
“Sure,” Rayne said. “What is it?”
“The truth is… you have a bit of a tendency to…” Ash hesitated to say it, “to… smother her.”
“I do?” Rayne said. Then he grumbled to himself, “Of course I do. I’m the most overbearing boyfriend in existence. She must be so sick of me patronizing her all day.”
“It’s okay,” Ash said quickly. “Don’t worry, we all know you mean well. No need to go crazy with the self-doubt again. All I’m saying is just try easing up a bit. Give her a chance to figure some things out on her own.”
Rayne slumped down into the chair. “I know you’re right. I just can’t help it sometimes. I want everything to be perfect for her.”
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that,” Ash said. “Just try to remember, she’s not your assignment anymore; she’s your girlfriend. Sadie’s a strong girl. She can handle it.”
“She’s definitely strong,” Rayne agreed. “She’s more than strong… she’s like… the blonde equivalent of Superwoman and Mother Teresa combined.”
Ash laughed. “I guess that’s one way to put it. It’s true though, just look at her father. Strength runs in her family.”