Alex’s features pinched. “Yeah, but–”
Ava pulled him closer and planted a kiss on him. “But what, babe?”
He shrugged as he slipped an arm around her waist. “Nothing. It all seems clear now.”
She giggled as she wrapped an arm around him. “I thought it might. Look, it wasn’t easy trying to dodge their questions. I didn’t want to give up Raven. But we may have no choice.”
“I won’t fight you on this. I’m not as fond of Raven as you are,” Alex said, his loyalty to the man not strong.
Ava sucked in a breath. “I just think he’s proven himself more than once. The weapon, the breeching of the Board facility, shooting Miranda. He’s gone above and beyond to prove his loyalty to us.”
“But has he?” Alex asked. “He’s given us nothing on The Board but tidbits. Why is he hiding his identity?”
Ava shook her head. “I don’t know, but giving him up to DHS could ruin everything.”
“Or it could make everything better,” Alex said. “I mean…it’s getting exhausting doing this on our own. Maybe we should let the government step in.”
“Also, to have my bro’s back on this,” Kyle said, clappingAlex on the back, “if Raven truly wants to take down The Board, how would telling DHS about him hurt? He’s on their side.”
“So, you think I should take the deal? Tell them about Raven?”
Alex shrugged. Was there a better way here? “Let’s see what he says today when we drop the drive off. Maybe he’ll make the decision for us.”
They turned the corner, the abandoned warehouse looming in front of them, its darkened windows and crumbling facade making Alex shiver. His heart pounded as they approached, every step echoing.
Ava nodded. “We’ll see.”
“Avs,” Alex said, tugging her back by her elbow.
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
She grinned at up him, a relieved sigh escaping her. “I love you, too.”
Kyle heaved a sigh, drawing their attention. “No, it’s fine. I’m just third-wheeling over here. It’s fine.”
Ava chuckled as she threaded her arm through Alex’s and led them to the warehouse. They pushed inside the darkened space, the door slamming behind them ominously.
Alex startled, hating the meeting space Raven used. “Hey,” he whispered, “when you were with Raven, were there any clues to his identity?”
“No,” she said in a low voice. “There were pictures on the mantel, but he had them turned over. I tried to look at them, but he got a little agitated by that.”
“Of course, he did,” Alex said with a groan.
“Any chance you could find your way back to this place?” Kyle asked.
Ava shook her head as they crept forward. “No, unlikeSebastian, Raven has a brain in his head and knocks me out before transporting me.”
“Clever bird,” Kyle said as they approached the bright light streaming from an open door.
Ava stepped into the space, her gaze darting around. “Hello?”
Movement caught Alex’s eyes from a dark corner, a rose in his hand. “You disappoint me again, Ava. If I wanted to meet with Frick and Frack, I could have done that.” His robotic voice echoed in the empty warehouse, sending a shiver down Alex’s spine.
Ava clicked her tongue. “We’re a team, remember?”
“Also, we have names,” Kyle added. “Doc and Maverick.”
