Page 95 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

They’re waiting for Riley, who comes in last with Seth.

Kade’s focus flits between Seth and Lachlan several times before clocking that Seth seems serene and surprisingly unemotional, neutral almost. Riley’s protective gear is well hidden beneath a close-fitting oxblood knit and the leather jacket he favours; the black-brown hide creased with age and worn grey at the seams. Black field pants, a pair of rarely worn combat boots, and nothing at his belt, no holsters or weapons.

Seth is in the same gear as everyone else; black body armour and tactical pants, weapon harness, thigh holsters and combat boots. The only standout element is the white bandage wrapped around his hand.

Kade goes over to them both. He lowers his voice drastically.

‘Are you sure about Seth, boss?’

Riley’s expression doesn’t so much as flicker. ‘Positive.’

He heads for the middle car, transport allocations already decided. With great misgivings, Kade studies Seth.

‘What happened?’

‘Burn, sir.’

‘Don’t call me sir, and how did you burn your hand?’

‘The boss did it,’ Seth explains in the most neutral tone Kade has ever heard, almost light. ‘I’m ready to fall in.’

‘Don’t make me regret the mercy I showed you.’

‘Heard.’

‘Fall in.’ Lachlan is waiting nearby as Kade heads for his vehicle. He raises a hand at the former bodyguard before he can even open his mouth. ‘Don’t wanna hear it. Let’s just go.’

They set out through the tunnels in three large SUVs.

The sun sets in Varrow City.

The waxing moon rises.

Kade can’t help but stare out of the windows, watching the outside world with poorly restrained interest. Varrow City is huge, but when you leave the central areas, there are so many trees it doesn’t even look like a city anymore but a forest swallowing the high-rises.

Kade rides with Riley, Seth, Luca and Lachlan.

The silence leans on the awkward side of things.

At one point, Luca subtly signs to Kade.

Rike said you’re mad at him.

Kade replies swiftly, moving his hands as minimally as he can.

I’m not mad at him, and he shouldn’t be telling you that.

So there is something to tell? The movements have caught Lachlan’s attention. Luca pauses when he realises he’s not just watching but reading. You speak sign?

Lachlan nods and says, You speak it very well, to Luca, who beams.

My brother-in-law knew it. He loved languages.

Lachlan smiles to himself and then says, You should be more careful, though. Your boss is right there.

Kade signs, He doesn’t speak ASL, only tactical sign.

Lachlan shrugs and says, He understood what we were saying during the attack.