Page 93 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘If someone who was a Brightling wanted to hide, then a good way to do that would be in the mindset of someone who doesn’t like them.’

‘Christ, what a mindfuck. Arms.’

Kade raises his arms while Luca adjusts the side straps, checking his holsters. ‘I’m starting to feel like I’m just a disguise for him.’

‘Love of my life,’ Luca says, serious once more, forcibly turning Kade when he’s done. ‘That sounds like some real mopey bullshit right before we move into a tactical snake’s nest, so I’m gonna need you to postpone said mopey bullshit, mmkay? When we get back, it’s mopey bullshit city, I promise. But for now? Lock it up.’

Kade gives a sharp, measured exhale. ‘OK.’

‘Yeah? You need me to slap you?’

‘Fuck off, Lucozade.’

‘That wasn’t a no,’ Luca snickers, gives the vest a final tight tug. ‘There.’

‘If anything with Seth feels wrong—’

‘I know, I know. Don’t worry. I’m all over it. You gonna go tell the weirdo that it’s not just a romantic walk for two?’

Kade groans internally. He knows Lachlan won’t like that news at all.

It’s why he’s been putting it off until now.

‘I guess.’

‘I’ll run weapons checks and vehicle prep.’

‘Thanks.’

✴

Just like Riley said, Lachlan is out by the trees in the newly formed night.

‘You could wait inside, you know,’ Kade says just to break the silence as he approaches.

It is, in fact, universally better that Lachlan wait out here.

Seth wasn’t the only one to side-eye Riley’s decision that he stay while co-operating, no matter how good a job Kade did convincing the masses.

Lachlan’s gaze rakes over Kade in such a way that he almost feels it.

‘You’re bringing a team,’ he assesses after barely five seconds.

‘How the fuck did you—?’

‘Your radio’s running net control on a local dark band, three element channels slaved beneath it and no uplink to the Tower. You’re bringing a full team, and you wouldn’t do that unless they were protecting someone you deem high-value, so I’m guessing your boss is coming too. Probably the only reason you’re officially allowed to go at all.’

Kade stares. ‘That was kinda hot.’

Lachlan snorts, tension dissolving instantly. ‘His idea or yours?’

‘Mine.’

‘Liar,’ Lachlan accuses with a small, knowing smile that fades as he looks away, his eyes narrowed in thought. ‘Well, I’m not thrilled about it, but if it means we can go, then that’s what counts.’

‘Speaking of count,’ Kade says, moving closer. ‘What time does your tattoo clock over into a new number? Four into a three.’

‘I haven’t noticed when precisely, but it’s always during the night.’