The Collection (28 page)

Chapter 66

IT'S OFFICIAL: GRANT MARSDEN TO WED; YOUNG LADIES ALL OVER AMERICA IN MOURNING

—
American Gazette

“Really, sir, this isn't necessary,” Grant said.

“I insist,” Ian said. “It was no trouble at all.”

No trouble for Ian, but Grant didn't want to drive into the capital in the first place. Once he arrived and discovered the purpose of his visit was to have dinner with his bride Grant had almost reached out and strangled Ian. The man Grant once saw as a respected authority figure was becoming nothing more than a nuisance.

“Two weeks until the wedding,” Ian said. “I want you in the public eye nonstop until then. Tomorrow you'll tape another interview with Greg Finnegan. The two of you have a great rapport.”

Another person Grant detested. How was he supposed to get any work done? Still, he gritted his teeth and smiled. Ian opened the door to a small room with a table. There was a candle lit and two place settings. Grant wasn't hungry.

“I hope I'm not interrupting,” a female said.

Grant turned around to see his future wife. She was dressed in an orange ball gown that didn't do much for her figure or complexion. He almost had to lift his hand to block the glow of her dress. Grant looked down at his red polo and plaid shorts. He wasn't even dressed for the occasion.

“You look lovely, Tamara,” Ian said.

He went and gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. Grant wasn't sure which one he had picked. Part of him was hoping for a twin, but Tamara was stunning. Her dark hair was pulled up, showing off her thin shoulders. She smiled and Grant pulled out her chair.

“I'll let you two get to know each other,” Ian said. “There's wine in the bottle and someone will be by with your food in a few minutes.”

After Tamara sat down Grant took his seat. He didn't like his lack of control over the situation. This was pointless; he had already picked her, so he sat wasting time.

“Wine?” she asked.

Grant nodded and she poured him a glass first, then herself. He'd had wine at his first meeting with Mia. She'd been so outspoken and rude. That was one of the reasons he had picked her. She would be fun to break. Tamara, on the other hand, was more than ready for the role of subservient wife. She didn't even make eye contact with Grant.

“So, Tamara,” Grant said, “why don't you tell me about yourself.”

“I'm a very skilled singer,” she said. “And I am more than prepared for any duties you request of me.”

“Anything?” Grant asked.

“Of course,” she said. “Once you're my husband.”

He felt a vibration go off in his pocket. He pulled out his cell phone and saw a blocked number. He watched his high-tech phone scramble the digits until the actual number showed up. An international line. His curiosity was piqued. Grant stood up from the table and walked to the corner of the room.

“Hello,” Grant said.

“Hi, boss,” Rex said.

Grant turned around and saw Tamara sitting still, staring down at her plate. She would be nothing but a dutiful wife who would offer little entertainment for Grant. He walked farther out of earshot.

“And to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?” Grant asked.

“I needed to get some alone time,” Rex said. “I lost my phone and had to acquire another.”

“What are the newest developments?” Grant asked.

He didn't want Rex aware of his knowledge.

“I was attacked by the same group who held your wife,” Rex said. “I've taken refuge in the same sanctuary as her.”

“And she's aware of your presence?”

“She is under the impression I've sworn off my allegiance to you,” Rex said. “What better way to watch her?”

“How ingenious of you,” Grant said.

“What's the next step?” Rex asked.

“Monitor her closely,” Grant said. “My strategy is already in play.”

“What is your strategy?” Rex asked.

“Something you're not privy to,” Grant said. “Tell me, what is the nature of your sanctuary?”

Grant knew exactly where Rex was. He was with a rebel group; it was obvious.

“A village in the mountains,” Rex said. “A harmless group of expatriates.”

“How does that make you feel?” Grant asked.

“Disgusted,” Rex said.

Something rang false with Grant. The man on the phone did not make this group sound harmless. Grant didn't know what his former employee was up to but decided it was best he keep up appearances until his questions were answered.

“Tell me,” Grant said, “did the opportunity present itself to terminate any of the travelers?”

“Negative,” Rex said.

He was lying.

“So none of the men were at risk of being injured either?”

“We all made it out unscathed,” Rex said.

“And this group, who was holding the young men hostage, are they a threat? Something worth worrying about?”

“Amateurs,” Rex said.

Grant was quiet for a moment. Rex hadn't admitted his betrayal yet, but the shortness of his answers and lack of suggestions told Grant something was wrong.

“Keep doing the same,” Grant said. “Monitor the situation, stay close. Check in as the situation develops.”

Grant hung up the phone and walked back to his table. He needed to put the phone away before this girl reported back to her father that Grant had spent the whole meal ignoring her. He still wanted the grand commander position and had to keep playing along until the announcement was made.

If Rex betrayed him it would change nothing. Before he became irate, Grant took a breath and reminded himself of his current situation. Grant would become grand commander and get to kill Mia, making sure she never reappeared. Roderick Rowe would ensure that outcome.

“Do you not like salmon?” Tamara asked, pulling Grant out of his mind.

“Not particularly,” he said.

“I can get you something else,” she said. “I'd like to hear about the food you like.”

How boring,
Grant thought to himself.

“You have a lifetime to learn everything I like,” Grant said.

“Did the phone call upset you?” Tamara asked.

“A friend may have moved on,” Grant said.

“How terrible,” Tamara said.

She assumed Rex was dead, and he might as well have been.

“Please,” Grant said. “Tell me about yourself.”

Tamara started to babble on about her singing skills. Grant couldn't have cared less.

 

W
hy are we learning about weapons?” Grant asked.

“We aren't,” Victor said. “I know about them already. You only have two years until you report for service. The more prepared you are, the better the placement, and the better the placement, the better your quality of postservice life.”

Over the past four years Grant had already learned a great deal. He enjoyed his work. He spent most of his time studying chemical reactions and how to improve roadways. His favorite assignments were those involving technological advances, but those were few and far between.

The two were at one of Victor's retreats. This one was in the hills, half a day's drive away from Victor's home. They were lying on the ground, guns in hand waiting for their prey.

“Release the next one,” Victor yelled.

A door lifted and a boy ran out. He was about Grant's age and dirty. He had a black eye and was filled with confusion, just like the rest of them. He stopped and stood still in the open grass.

“This one isn't even trying,” Victor said. “Release a dog.”

Grant heard the barking coming and the boy started to run.

“See if you can get him with one shot this time,” Victor said.

Grant looked through the scope of his gun. He watched as the boy tried to run in a zigzag pattern across the grounds.

“Are you sure this isn't illegal?” Grant asked.

“Of course it's illegal,” Victor said. “But not for a person like me. One day it won't be for you either. Remember that. You are better than everyone else.”

Grant continued to follow the boy through his scope. He saw his shot and took it, this time hitting the boy in the head. He fell to the ground.

“See?” Victor said. “Each time you take a life it gets a little easier.”

“It doesn't seem like a fair fight,” Grant said.

“That's because it isn't,” Victor said. “I think that's enough for today.”

Everything Victor taught him over the years came with a harsh sense of cruelty. Grant didn't mind, though. He looked forward to getting home. All the horrors Victor had exposed him to were worth it. Not because Victor was teaching Grant a skill or preparing him for a successful tour in service, but because at the end of each day Grant came home to Daphne.

 

G
rant had had enough of this dinner. He stood up from the table. Tamara kept her head bowed and rose as well.

“I had a lovely time tonight,” Grant said. “Business calls me away.”

Tamara curtsied and Grant walked out of the room. He started down the hall toward his car. He didn't care if Ian got upset. Tamara might have been his daughter, but she was still a woman and not a priority on Grant's list.

Grant needed to get home. He wanted to start making preparations for Amelia's return. Grant wanted everything perfect for her, including the decision on which weapons he would use with her.

Chapter 67

All members must complete core education requirements. For new members these may be completed concurrently with their work assignments.

—Internal memorandum from Affinity

The doctor was waiting outside the infirmary for the car to return. Mia saw her rise as they pulled into the lot.

“I think we all deserve a break after that,” Zack said. “We'll finish orientation tomorrow.”

“Andrew,” the doctor said, “what happened? Are you all right?”

“I'll tell you all about it tonight,” he said.

He looked down at Mia and watched her reaction. She was proud that he was seeking help in others. She gave him a smile. There was new warmth in his eyes. Almost like a spark had been reignited. He looked away to step out of the car; Mia did the same.

“Someone should tell Carter,” Mia said.

“You don't know where he is?” Zack asked.

Mia shook her head.

“Probably looking for us,” Mia said. “We were supposed to meet him at the field.”

“I think we could use some time to ourselves,” Andrew said.

He was looking at Mia. She felt he was ready to continue with their conversation from earlier.

“I'll find him,” Sarah said. “See you guys at dinner?”

Mia nodded. Zack, Sarah, and Dr. Drum walked off.

“Come on,” Andrew said.

He walked away from the carport. Once they reached the road he walked in the opposite direction from the camp.

“Where are we going?” Mia asked.

“Just walking,” Andrew said. “Not far.”

Mia kept pace with him.

“I've been speaking with Katie,” he said.

“Katie?”

“Dr. Drum,” Andrew said. “I call her Katie.”

“Oh,” Mia said.

“She's helping me deal with my time in the militia,” Andrew said. “That's what I've been keeping from you.”

“Oh,” Mia said. “How is she helping you?”

“We're talking mainly,” Andrew said. “When the memories come back, they aren't as painful.”

“That's good,” Mia said.

“That response is the exact reason I didn't want to tell you,” Andrew said. He had a pressed smile on his lips and shook his head.

Mia stopped walking. She placed her hand on his face and turned it toward her.

“There's nothing wrong with talking to someone,” Mia said.

“I know,” Andrew said.

“I'm surprised it's not me,” Mia said.

He grabbed her hand with his own and gave it a quick kiss before dropping it. Mia felt like her skin was on fire. All of her concerns over Andrew speaking to the doctor instead of her vanished. If that was what he needed, she would support him. They continued walking.

“I've been asked to join the External Tactics division,” Mia said.

“The most prestigious branch,” Andrew said.

“And the most intense,” Mia said. “Sarah says you never see those people. They follow a different schedule. I wouldn't be with you as often.”

Andrew frowned.

“I told Eleanor I'd think about it,” Mia said.

“Is that where Rex is?”

“He joined,” Mia said. “He said he saved your life to try to redeem himself for Whitney.”

“Do you believe him?”

“I think so,” Mia said.

“Yeah,” Andrew said. “Me too.”

They walked in silence for a few more minutes. On the side of the road were two large rocks, sitting just outside the jungle. Andrew led Mia over and took a seat. She sat across from him. Mia looked into his eyes; he was staring at her. His jaw was relaxed and there wasn't a crease on his face.

“I don't know what you're thinking,” Mia said.

“I'm thinking that I missed you,” Andrew said.

Mia thought he was moving closer, but at such a slow rate she couldn't be sure if she was imagining it. She started to lean in a little.

“I missed you too,” she said.

Suddenly it wasn't in Mia's imagination. Andrew leaned closer and brought his hand behind her head, pulling her toward him. Mia let her eyes shut and when their lips met she felt like her whole body was exploding. He rested his other hand on her leg and she returned his kiss, parting her lips just a bit. He did the same and Mia felt a shiver run through her body. Then he gave her a quick kiss and pulled away. Mia knew her lips were in a pout. Andrew smiled and laughed a little.

“Now that we're alone,” Andrew said, “with no dread looming over us, I want you to tell me in great detail what you've been doing for the last month. Including how you got this back.”

Mia looked down and saw Andrew holding up a piece of her hair. Mia blushed and grabbed his other hand. She would tell him everything. Riley, Joseph, Dalmy, and why she was valuable to External Tactics. She didn't want any secrets between them.