“Okay. We went on the run as a team, planned as a team, and caught him as a team. So, we will decide what happens as a team,” Riley announces, looking around the tight circle of his soldiers.
“You’re making a huge mistake, Reaper. They think this is all your doing. I made sure of that. There is not a soul who will believe you,” Scott spits from across the room, craning his neck to look at Riley.
“Trying to scare me while your life is resting in my hands isprobably one of the stupidest things you could do,” Riley says with a small laugh.
Scott lets out a huff of frustration, turning back to face the wall.
“I’m open to hear any and all thoughts on the matter. Why you think we should kill him, why you think he should live. Whatever you are thinking, now is the time to say it,” Riley announces, looking around the circle.
“I think you know I’m team kill the mother fucker,” Liz growls.
“Oh, surprise surprise. The mentally unstable, angry little gremlin wants to kill me,” Scott seethes.
“I second that. He has done too much to too many for him to be allowed to live,” Mikey says.
Neither Alex nor Tyler speak, they simply nod in agreement. Liz knew they would all side with Riley after having been on the front lines to the general’s madness. If Riley truly is leaving it up to a vote, they will have to convince the new members.
“Shouldn’t that be up to his superiors? Why does it have to be our decision? I have never agreed with the death penalty. I think he should have a trial for what he did,” Maya says, looking at Lauren.
“Yes and no. You saw what he was doing. If we take him back, we risk his higher ups letting him free. And, with his ties to the president he may very well get pardoned, putting him right back in this position to keep on doing what he has been,” she explains.
“If that happens, he will have a fresh list of targets. Everyone in this room will be in more danger than we have been. Not to mention every soldier on General Langford’s base will be targeted,” Alex explains.
“Is his life really worth more than all the lives he took inMontana? How about the ones he took from supplying Dmitri with weapons for years?” Neil asks Maya. Her face drops as the words sink in.
“I can make this all go away. Every one of you can be cleared, go back to your lives. I can make things happen. I will get you out if that’s what you want. An honorable discharge. You can move up in rank. Any promotion you want, it’s yours,” Scott pleads.
He is desperate now. Liz can hear it in his voice, the way he bargains for his freedom because he knows the vote is not in his favor. She watches him with morbid curiosity. Every so often, he will wiggle his wrists and ankles, as if gauging how hard it will be to break the ties.
“And what about you?” Riley asks Matt. “You look like you want to say something.”
“I don’t think it matters what I have to say,” Matt says, fiddling with his spoon.
“Why? He tells you he can get you a promotion, and you’re back to kissing his ass?” Riley snaps.
“No. But it’s not easy to admit you think someone you looked up to your entire life deserves to die,” Matt solemnly says.
Riley’s face softens. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed. And you’re right, that isn’t an easy thing to admit.”
“Thank you, sir,” Matt says, still unable to meet his eyes.
Liz keeps watching Scott. From the corner of her eye, she can see him fiddling with the restraints. She moves closer to Riley to get a better view. His head swivels between the meeting and the door. She only gets small glimpses of his face, but it looks to her like he is seriously considering escape.
“Do what you’re about to do, and I will take this knife,” Liz starts, pulling a knife the size of her forearm from the holster on Riley’s leg, “I will shove it under your knee, and shuck your kneecap like a fucking oyster. Let’s see how far you make it then.”
The air stills. Nervous eyes dart between Liz and their prisoner. A small chuckle escapes Riley next to her. He pushes himself off the floor with a groan, going to Scott and double checking each of the restraints. The loud rip of tape echoes in the room as he adds an extra layer of security.
“Okay. Before Liz turns this place into an oyster bar, let’s vote,” Mikey announces. “All in favor of ending this for good, raise your hand.”
One by one, hands go into the air. In the end, even Maya’s hand slowly raises.
Come morning, Scott will die.
Liz wakes to find Riley hunched over a small map. The rest of the team is either sleeping or beginning to pack up. She peels herself from the sleeping bag and tightly rolls it before checking in on Riley. She wraps her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his head. Wondering what he is thinking, Liz opens her mouth to ask three times. Each time she can’t form the words and snaps her mouth closed.
“I can feel that, you know,” he says, craning his neck to look up at her. “Are you up for a little walk?”
“A walk? In the freezing cold?” Liz asks, confused.
