Connor wasn't defenseless, despite the strange circumstances that had led to him being unfamiliar with the modern world. He had proven he was comfortable with violence.
"If Arlan is really working against the High King, it stands to reason he won't reveal my little secret. He'll want to use it to his advantage," I said, interfering before either man could do something only I would regret.
"He does seem to be building a power base," Liam said.
Thomas looked contemplative. "You have a point."
Sensing the danger had passed, I relaxed into my seat. Thomas could very well be right. Maybe one day I wouldn't have any choice but to let him send me away. Thankfully that day wasn't today.
Sometimes it was the small wins that got you through.
"How do you plan to handle this threat from the Scattered?" Thomas asked.
Liam's eyes met mine in the rear-view mirror. "If my enforcers can trap the medusa, we can see what they're hoping to accomplish by going after Aileen."
"They want to hire her," Connor said.
The car fell silent as we all considered him.
"What makes you say that?" Thomas asked.
His head tilted. "They said as much."
"Twice," I added.
Don had tried that line too.
"What do they want you to do that they can't do for themselves?" Thomas asked, echoing my own skepticism.
"Maybe they want her to return a lost pet," Liam suggested.
"You've been having me watched," I said, outraged.
Through the rear-view mirror I caught a glimpse of Liam's smile. "Indeed. Did you really expect anything else?"
Thomas turned to better see me. "Is that what your business consists of?"
I fought the urge to sink down in my seat. "Not always. Sometimes I find lost bracelets too."
The incident Liam mentioned wasn't my finest moment. It had mostly consisted of me chasing a Pomeranian through a sewer. When I finally caught the dog, its fur morphed into tiny porcupine quills. It took days to get all of them out.
"I have video," Liam murmured.
"No," I breathed.
"Oh, yes."
Thomas looked at him askance. "I'd be interested in seeing that video."
"That can be arranged."
I kicked the back of Liam's seat. Hard.
I leaned toward him, saying into his ear. "Just remember, lover. I have my own ways of getting revenge."
"I look forward to it."
*
