We break out into conversation.
Pazessca listens for a few minutes, then raises her voice to be heard.
“Have you thought of the possibility that we can make a positive difference if we band together? We can not only change the way things work, but become the most powerful unit in the world. We can make real changes. Get rid of the fucked-up shit, like the trafficking.”
“You’re right, Baby Girl,” I agree with her. “We can build something real and sustainable. I say yes. I'm taking control of the Franco family.”
That announcement sets off a domino effect with the others. One by one, they all mirror my thoughts.
“So, we’re doing this, then? Stepping into our new roles as leaders?” I clarify.
“I guess we are,” Frost answers.
We’re so busy discussing it, we don’t see Trikk coming back. He strides into view with a resigned look on his face.
“I overheard: I’m in, too. For once, I want the Barbieri name to mean something. I want to stand for what’s right.”
Pazessca rushes to him, smiling up at him. “You are incredible, Trikk.”
“Alright, it seems like you all have a lot to discuss,” Harris chimes in from the sidelines. “In the meantime, Jax is working on a plan to get everyone out of The Retreat. Boys—can you use your connections to aid us at all? We want to avoid the media, but will need help relocating the students once they’re all out.”
I tap my teeth in thought. I'm familiar with who is in our pocket. “I can arrange it.”
The others echo my thought.
Harris nods, then smiles. “Get ready to start those big changes. We're doing the right thing.”
Murmurs of agreement come from everyone.
I, for one, am excited. It's about fucking time. I'm ready to be a good person for a change.
Well, a better one, maybe.
Chapter 36
Synn
Seven long dayshave crawled by, and I finally am free of the stitches.
I'm standing under the hot spray of my shower, and damn... it never felt so good.
I know everyone is waiting for me, but I can’t help but take a couple extra minutes for myself.
The Doctor told me to be very careful not to hurt my chest, and I’ll try my hardest not to. But I also know I’m not being left behind.
I get out and get dressed in all black, and leave the room to join the others.
I’m ready to take this motherfucking Retreat down.
Hunter
We're all congregated in the kitchen with the entirety of the available ZYGOS team, even the techies.
Jax stands at the front of the room, hands clasped behind his back, as seems to be his habit when he has something seriousto discuss. “Attention, everyone. We are here to plan the riskiest venture we’ve taken on yet: emptying The Retreat.” Murmurs and shocked sounds reverberate around the large room. Jax continues. “The Six—have you reached out to your contacts yet?”
Synn steps up. “Yes, but no one is willing to step up.”
“Dammit, we need the help, but we’ll have to make do. Now, we need to divide the property into sections, which will be checked by each team. Harris, about how many staff members are there?”
