Monday. Safe House, Boa Vista, Brazil.LUMEN WAS BEYOND TENSE by the time they were in range of the safe house. Their tail was riding their bumper the whole way back. Max had managed to lose them a time or two in the city, but in the big picture it didn't matter.Brett had already informed her that the two men at the house reported two vehicles across the road openly watching them.The Creedites already knew where the Bluhm's were staying.It was a stalemate.Nabanita didn't want to leave Brazil until she had her children back.The Creedites had no intention of releasing those kids."Up here on the right." Lumen scooted to the edge of her seat and peered at the vehicles. She wanted a look at the type of people Sonny had watching the house.It helped that the men weren't trying to hide themselves. With their windows rolled down she could practically see their eye color.Unfortunately, these men were not the same type that they'd encountered at the sanctuary gates. T
Monday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.NORMALLY ASPEN ENJOYED THE afternoon slump right before dinner. The others working in the welcome center would inevitably slink off and she'd pretend not to notice until it was just her. Alone.It was often pleasant.She had a computer and unfettered access to the internet. Of course, she had to be careful what sites she went to and how she accessed things deemed inappropriate or off-limits. But there was always a way.Was now a good time?She glanced at the roll top drawer behind her. She'd stopped keeping anything she cared about in her room. They weren't allowed to lock their doors and there always seemed to be at least one person who liked to steal from others. Here at least Aspen could lock the drawer. She'd brought Mom's book here to read when Buzz told her to keep it. Now, how did she escape with it?Rain placed a stack of stapled intake forms on the edge of Aspen's desk. "So, what next?""Oh, um, that's it for today."
Lumen laughed and smoothed a hand down her hair. "I know.""Girl, that's a look." Prudence chuckled."What are you doing here? I thought you were coming tomorrow with Jennifer and Orion?"Prudence glanced at Brett so fast Lumen almost missed it. "I got a last minute chance to get here, so I took it.""I see. Well, it's late. Why don't you come upstairs and I'll brief you. Brett, do you need anything from Prudence?""No." He shook his head. "Nice to meet you, Prudence. Welcome to the team."Prudence smiled, but it was a touch strained. "Thanks.""See you all in the morning," Lumen said over her shoulder.Prudence was quick to follow her to the stairs. Lumen didn't say anything until they were almost to the second floor."Something happen?" she asked.Prudence shook her head and dropped the attempt to smile.Something was wrong.Lumen led Prudence into her room. The moment the door closed Prudence dropped her bag to the floor and collapsed onto an arm chair in the
Monday. Safe House, Boa Vista, Brazil.MAX GLANCED FROM THE closed door to Lumen then laughed. He had no idea what the two women had been talking about or how he fit in, but he didn't hate the results."I like her," he said."I don't," Lumen snapped.He crossed to the bed and sat next to her. "You don't mean that."She glared at him. He reached out and rubbed her back. When she didn't snap at him again, he let go of the breath he'd been holding. Another few moments and Lumen's shoulders relaxed."I like her, too," she admitted. "Our branch of Aegis Group is small and very tight knit. Sometimes it feels like Prudence and I are the only two with our heads screwed on straight.""How's she fitting in to your plan?""I've asked her to hold Nabanita and William accountable. I get the feeling Brett will let them walk all over him. I'm hoping Prudence can hold the line.""You think they'll decide to stay?""Nabanita clearly didn't want to leave.""If they don't? If the
Max needed to be content with where they were. He told himself that while in the back of his mind he could already feel the wind up happening. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath."What's that for?" she asked softly."Hm?""Every so often you do that. One deep breath. You'll close your eyes. Why?""Pumping the brakes on my brain.""Oh? How's that working?""For the most part, pretty good.""But not now?""Can you blame me?" He slid his hand up and down her back. She was wearing a camisole, the kind that left her upper back bare to the touch. "Every other thought is me telling myself to not obsess, to not pick apart what I'm doing, what could be done better.""You seem like a very different person on the outside.""Sometimes I have to pretend to be that person.""What makes you happiest?"You.Max didn't say that.He knew she wasn't ready to hear something like that."I'd rather pretend than go back to the way I was. Fake it until you make it, am I ri
Monday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.BLAIR SWIRLED THE WINE in her paper cup. As a kid she'd spent plenty of nights drinking with the others around her age. No one cared so long as they didn't get too sick and could do their chores the next day.Things were a little different now.Sonny's kids were kept apart from the rest, probably at the urging of the lawyers for whatever reason. But that didn't mean that other children weren't walking the same path she did. At least for them they weren't tied to this place. They had options outside the sanctuary and freedoms she could have only dreamed of.She was forging her own path now.Too bad she still needed her father and his people for a little while longer.Blair let her gaze skim the scantily clad people. This side of the river there were fewer rules. The established residents didn't hide their resentment of her. It was misplaced. She'd never intended to touch this enclave behind the hill so long as they kept their acti
Lumen did her best to not stare.Her face, those eyes and hair, they were all Nabanita's.What were the chances?"Hey, Aspen." Rain turned toward the other girl. There had to be at least ten years age difference between them. "These two just arrived. Can you show me the welcome process for the paperwork?"Aspen glanced over the two of them. She didn't look like a fifteen-year-old. The way she carried herself was world weary, as if she were tired of everything. What the hell was going on here?"Are you two traveling together? Married?" Aspen picked up a clipboard from a table. Rain came to stand just behind Aspen, watching over her shoulder. "We try to give couples a little more privacy."Max glanced at Lumen. His warm smile made the small building far too hot."You could say we're together," he said."You make such a cute couple," Rain gushed.Aspen made a few notes. "How long are you planning on staying? Or are you staying? Do you have a host?""Can't say that we'r
Tuesday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.MAX KEPT A HOLD of Lumen's hand. He'd caught enough men eyeing her to make him uncomfortable. She hadn't seemed to notice. He wasn't sure if he was glad about that or not. Then again, it was more likely she was aware and pushing on like always.All of those questions about sexual preferences and history stuck in his head. He didn't like the idea of sharing that with strangers. It wasn't their damn business.They'd stashed their bags in the tiniest cabin known to man before meeting up with their new head of family.Rain had enthusiastically explained that everyone was organized into families, that way no one was ever alone. And if the exchange he'd overheard in the office was normal, it also meant there were people assigned to watch each other as well."I think we should avoid our family as much as possible," Lumen said as they struck out on their own.He shoved his hands in his pockets as they walked when what he really wanted t
Three months later. Ibiza.THEY SHOULD HAVE ELOPED.Lumen was ready to throw the silly bouquets into the water, scream at the top of her lungs and jump off the cliff herself. Alone.Jennifer appeared almost instantly. "Have a drink, you look stressed."Lumen considered the beverage. She'd meant to abstain from anything that might make her the least bit emotional until after the wedding, but right now it was just what the doctor ordered. She took the glass and downed the contents in two gulps."Way to chug," Jennifer snickered.Lumen thrust the glass back at her. "You. Shut it."Prudence burst in through the curtain, one sheer panel sticking to her bun of braids.Lumen jumped, startled by the sudden appearance. "Shit, what?""It happened," Prudence blurted.Lumen pressed her hand to her chest. "What happened? What now? Fucking hell, people. This is a wedding not... I don't know. What?"Prudence cringed. "I should have thought about this. You might not want to hear before th
Sunday. Hotel, Boa Vista, Brazil.MAX WAS WAITING WITH a plate the moment Lumen appeared. Jennifer and Prudence both glared at him, but he managed to get Lumen's attention and steer her into the bedroom where their things had been left. He could tell that Lumen was exhausted and in more pain than she wanted to admit. Besides, she'd never been much for messy emotions and she'd already told him he loved her today. That alone would leave Lumen wanting to avoid groups."Oh, thank you." She settled on the edge of the bed and grimaced."You seemed to be kind of done."Lumen chuckled. "You still know me so well."Max offered her the sandwich. He wished he could give her more, but it was what was on hand for now.The desire to touch her was driving him crazy, but he didn't dare. Instead he retreated to the one arm chair in the room and sat at a safe distance. She might have forgiven him for today, but he kept replaying it and all the moments he should have acted differently.Maybe he
Sunday. Hospital, Boa Vista, Brazil.LUMEN WASN'T SURE WHAT she liked the least, the pain or the way all the drugs made it feel as though she were moving through quicksand. Or that gel stuff the kids liked playing with.She sighed, only to be reminded that her ribs were. Not broken, so that was a relief. The fractures were tiny, hairline cracks, so in the scope of things it was nearly a best case situation. Didn't change the fact that right now she hurt like hell.A nurse with kind eyes stepped behind the curtain. She'd been working double time considering her grasp of English was the best of those currently working. "The doctor says you're good to go.""Thanks. Thank you. For everything. You've been a great help.""I chose the right time to come home, didn't I?" The nurse chuckled. "Do you want me to let your husband come back?"Husband.Lumen swallowed.In the confusion of arriving at the hospital, it had been easy to just let people draw the conclusion. Now, after Lumen ha
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN FELT AS THOUGH she were being grilled alive lying in the bed of the pickup with the afternoon sun baking her. Her shoulder throbbed and if she breathed too deeply her ribs hurt. She didn't think they were broken. Fractured or bruised, but not broken. That was good.Thomas spat curses as he wrestled with the newly flat tire."Hurry up," Blair demanded.Lumen winced.That wasn't going to go over well."What did you say to me?" Thomas said in a dangerous tone.There was a heavy thud.Lumen imagined Thomas dropping the tire iron as he rose to direct his wrath at a new target."They're going to find us. We need to get clear of here," Blair said."What the fuck do you think I'm doing?""God, I never should have listened to you.""If it weren't for me, you'd be locked in your daddy's pleasure palace waiting on him to stick you with a needle and turn you into a good little daughter.""Shut up!" Blair roared. "Why don'
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.THE DRAMA AT THE front gate dragged on.Max ground his teeth.They couldn't take off down the road without raising questions. They were stuck here, with all eyes on them, until someone made a move.He prayed Lumen was safe, that she could last a little longer."Canteens are full," Prudence said from the back of the SUV."Did we find sunblock? These meat heads won't think about that until it's too late," Jennifer said."Yeah, there's some." Prudence shifted behind Max. "Everything's ready. How's it looking out there?""The same," Vito replied. It was pretty much the only thing he'd said since indicating he would be going with them on this adventure.That left Brett and three other Aegis Group guys to guard Nabanita and her family. Those weren't great numbers given the situation, but Max was willing to believe they could hold their own."Have we heard from Zain?" Max asked."Nothing yet," Prudence replied.Max pulled ou
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN SAT ON THE bottom bunk watching the only door to the room, but it was still shut.Had Blair really not realized her phone was missing? Was something else going on?"Breakfast should have come by now," Buzz said for at least the fifth time, if not more. "Something's not right."That last bit was new.She turned her head and watched him pacing, eyes on the door like hers."Hey?" she said. "It's going to be okay.""You don't know that.""I do."She still hadn't told him what she'd done, though he'd seen. He had to have seen.He kept pacing, not listening to her at all.Poor kid, he'd been locked up for over a week from the sound of things. She doubted he'd had a lot of company."What's their reasoning keeping you locked up like this?" she asked to get him out of his own head."I don't know," Buzz said."Okay, well, what have they said? What do you know?""Nothing. I know nothing, okay?""I see."He sighed
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.MAX SAT IN THE backseat of another SUV and watched as Nabanita and William once more tried to reason with the idiots at the gate.This time, however, there hadn't been just an attendant at the gate. They'd been met with four armed men who appeared to be from Sonny's personal guard. Just how many of them were there? A truck was parked in front of the entrance. There was no way to easily drive in.This was all Zain's plan.Max didn't pretend to understand the maneuvers, only that they were testing the waters today. Dangling Nabanita and William as a decoy was their aim."Think they've brought up the book?" Jennifer asked."If I were them I'd be sweating bullets," Prudence muttered.Orion glanced back and caught Max's eye.He looked away quickly. The last thing he wanted to do right now was talk."Notice anything off that we might not?" Orion asked.Max sighed and looked back at the gate. "Thomas isn't out there this time. H
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN LAY ON THE top bunk staring at the ceiling. Buzz had fallen asleep again finally.They'd spent most of the night doing that. Talking, drifting off into silence and sleeping a bit. Eventually one of them would wake up, then the other and it began again.He'd seemed to understand without her needing to say it that there were some things they just couldn't talk about.Buzz was a perceptive kid.Like his sister.It killed Lumen that they needed to be this grown up.Kids should get to be kids.She prayed Max and Aspen were safe, that they'd gotten to the others and were hatching some mad scheme. Lumen had no doubt that the girls wouldn't rest until she was sprung from this prison. Unlike Jennifer, Lumen knew the lengths her coworkers and friends would go to for one of their own. She'd never doubted the resolve of those she worked with. Aegis Group had become her family in a way.The real question was, how long would it tak
Sunday. Safe House, Boa Vista, Brazil.THE GRAY DAWN BROKE on the horizon as Max and the others rolled through the front gate of the safe house. He eyed the surveillance men. They were mostly the same ones he'd seen before he'd left. Still the battle hardened faces of men who knew what they were doing.Which meant it was Sonny keeping an eye on them and bypassing Thomas.Max hadn't seen it until the very end, but there was a dividing line between Thomas and Sonny. The two didn't always know what the other was doing.Fuck all of them.Vito pulled the SUV into the garage where they could safely unload. They needed to keep Max and Aspen's whereabouts under wraps for as long as possible.It had taken them hours to land and get back. More time than he'd have thought necessary. All of which meant that Lumen was still back there. Alone. Going through who knew what.Max stuffed all the frustration down inside of him as he opened the SUV door and helped Aspen out. She'd held he