“I’ll do my best to get back here soon and we can come up with something solid,” I promised.
“Cool.”
He still looked tense but that was to be expected.
I left him hoping we could come up with something more today.
* * *
Wes hugged me hard when he saw me.
We met outside Dorian’s house which was just a fraction smaller than Jack’s place. He had the same sort of set up, with the land and lake and the house that looked like he’d had it custom built. It was nice with that homely feel.
I hugged Wes back, getting that emotional reunion feel again. Like we were brothers. When he pulled away he punched me hard in my arm.
“You fucking prick!” He scowled. “Don’t you ever do that to me again. No more ass backwards plans where you get caught.”
I held my hands up. “I know and I’m sorry.”
“You aren’t sorry, you’d fucking do it all over again.”
I more than likely would. “Wes, come on man. You know I didn’t have much choice. It was a shot I took. It blew up in my face but I had to take the chance.”
“I know, but it was still fucked up. Ethan was freaking.”
“What is he doing now?”
“He went back to liaise with his people. I think he was just happy you were alive. He did lose his shit though when we realized you’d been captured and I told him what happened.”
“I know he must have.”
“Didn’t get to speak to your girl. I tried to call her a few times.” He looked defeated. “But… prior to your message the other day, intel spied on Giovanni and listened in on a conversation with Armand. We heard Jia was missing. Also that Frankie took her, and helped you escape. We did the math and assumed she was with you.” He raised his brows.
“Yeah. Lots has happened. I’ll fill you in later. ”
“Later? Come on Xander. I’ve been worried sick.”
I could imagine that being true. “This first.” I pointed to the house.
He looked over. “Well, what’s this about?”
I thought it was best to wait until he got here to talk to him about why we were meeting Dorian.
“I just need some answers. This guy can do some backtracking. Jack thinks something was off in the beginning. He thinks The Ra got involved via someone higher. Like from the CIA or SMF.”
Shock filled his face and his mouth dropped. “What the fuck?”
“Yeah I know, it makes sense. That’s why I’m here. I just figured since I was unsuccessful I could still help in some way. I figured if he’s right then that would be really bad.”
“Fuck, of course. It would mean Ethan got hired and got used as a chump. All of us.” He brought his hand to his head.
“Yes. All of us,” I agreed trying to tamp down the anger that stirred at the thought.
“Well let’s do this.” Wes grit his teeth.
We walked up to the door and rang the bell. A thin wiry-looking man with red hair opened the door. He wore thick rimmed glasses that made his eyes look bigger.
“Hello.” He beamed. I detected a hint of a Scottish accent. “I suppose you’re Xander and … Xander’s friend?” Yup I was right, he had a Scottish accent.
