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Chapter 126
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Aegis Group Chapter 127
ANDREA KNEW HER MOUTH was hanging open-but what the hell?A line of people stood at the edge of the booth. At least three-quarters were female or dressed as the sisters from D7. Not the original brothers, but the gender-bent version of the game. They were all there. And in groups. She was pretty sure the second set in line was guys-cosplaying as girls. It was...unbelievable. She could not wrap her head around it.People hated the game. So why were these people there?"There you are!" Miranda seemed to materialize out of nowhere and grabbed Andrea by the arm, hauling her forward.Zain let go of her hand. She turned, or tried to, but Miranda's grip was way too tight. The woman was far stronger than she appeared.A few of the waiting crowd caught sight of them and began to clap. Several clutched copies of the game or swag from the booth to their chests. Piper and Tamara were busy clearing off the front table, dumping things into boxes and whatnot. A whole bowl of Weird Girl C
Aegis Group Chapter 128
ANDREA WIGGLED HER TOES and stared at the ceiling. Or the top of the cabin. Actually, it was the over-head baggage compartment and tucked in next to the window the whole thing felt like it was caving in on her. She wasn't normally claustrophobic, but for some reason the tight space bothered her. Her whole world was twisting, imploding, and she couldn't stop it. She couldn't change it.Someone she knew was behind everything.It'd been easier to ignore and brush off the emails and threats when the people behind it were faceless, nameless entities.But she knew them.Or at least the one behind the worst of it.And that hurt."Zain?" She shifted, crossing one leg over the other and turning her upper body toward him."Hm?" He leafed through the Sky Mall magazine."Tell me about what it is you do."He turned his face toward her, his expression blank. Impassive.Was what he did that bad?For a moment he didn't speak. They stared at each other.Finally, he seemed to mak
Aegis Group Chapter 129
ZAIN WATCHED ANDREA'S FACE, the flex of her throat, the shift of her gaze. He could have lived without this conversation. Having her see him as the intelligence officer was easier. Better. The clear cut lines were defined that way. But as a whole...there was a lot more gray area."What kind of people do you rescue?" she asked.The question caught him off guard. Not that it was surprising, but it was completely off-topic."All kinds.""On average." She rolled her eyes at him."Typically, we're dealing with some scared, stupid tourists, rich people who thought they were immune, or some sort of journalist. Usually it's people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Like my cousin's girlfriend.""What happened with his girlfriend?""She went on vacation, dragged Mason along, and she got kidnapped. Wrong place, really wrong time.""Wow. Is she okay? I mean, I'm guessing since you said girlfriend in the present tense, she's okay.""Yeah, Hannah's fine.""Did she know the, l
Aegis Group Chapter 130
"I'M FINE. I SWEAR." Andrea stared at Zain's broad shoulders as he waited at the baggage pick-up. It was strange not having any luggage, but at least she didn't have to worry about hauling it around."I will come pick you up right now. It would only take half an hour this time of night," Crystal said."We're going to crash at Maggie and Glen's. They're out of town and said it was okay. It's closer. We're exhausted." Andrea also wasn't in the mood to have nine cats pawing at her and climbing all over her for attention. She loved visiting Crystal's furry friends, but there was a limit to how much she could take."Wait, he's staying?""Yeah.""I need more details about this Captain America guy.""His name is Zain," Andrea whispered."He's staying. With you?""Yes.""I'm so coming to see you tomorrow. Are you sure you guys don't want to come to my place?""Positive.""Only fools are positive."Andrea darted another glance at Zain. She felt pretty foolish right now.
Aegis Group Chapter 131
ZAIN UNLOCKED THE FRONT door of the apartment and stepped in, Andrea right behind him. He wanted to do a sweep of the place before allowing her in, but it was raining, and Andrea was soaked to the bone."I always miss the rain until I'm home," she said, teeth chattering.He dropped the bags just inside the entrance and locked the door behind her while straining to listen for noises. It was a little past midnight, and Andrea lived a good hour away. Crashing at her friend's place was a matter of convenience-and it also had a higher probability for being safe. Still, he rushed through, giving the rooms a once over."You really didn't have to come home with me. I'd have been okay, I swear." Andrea gripped the handle of his laptop bag. Her hair stuck to her face and there were goose bumps all over her chest. His hoodie swallowed her, but at least it'd kept her warm until now."We aren't having this conversation again." He took the bag from her and rolled it to the side so she wouldn
Aegis Group Chapter 132
"YOU REALLY THINK MY place is dangerous?" Andrea handed Zain her keys."I'd rather be safe than sorry." He shifted the rental car into park then took her keys."The blue key. You don't seriously think I'm in danger here, do you? That stuff was at the con. Hundreds of miles away." She was clinging to the hope that the attack, the fliers, were some random asshole who hated the game, that it wasn't a personal attack. And she was ready to change into clean clothes. Her clothes. Stuff that fit. "You're being paranoid.""I'm okay with that.""Fine. Suit yourself."Andrea cradled her latte and sat back, content to watch Zain's backside as he walked to her front door. The apartment was a point of pride for her. The first true mark that she'd succeeded as an adult. It was small, but it was hers, and she'd managed well enough on her own. Unlike Crystal, Andrea hadn't come from money. She'd had to scrape things together for school. Somehow, it'd all worked out. At least until now.She
Aegis Group Chapter 133
ZAIN CHUCKED THE BAG of ruined stuff out onto the stoop. The pile of things on top of the ruined sofa was easily as tall as he was. Between himself, Andrea, Crystal, and a few friends, they'd managed to excavate the worst of it. There wasn't much left to be salvaged.He hurt for Andrea.In all his time, he'd seen maybe one revenge job that equaled this level of hateful destruction to property. What was more, the break-in only confirmed his fear.Whoever was behind this was connected to Grunge and Dark Matter Games.It was someone she knew.It had to be.The only people who'd known they were leaving had been at the booth that morning. It was a short list of people. Maybe seven names, outside of the girls.What he wouldn't give to be able to fly back and question every one of those people himself-but he couldn't leave Andrea. Letting her out of his sight was not happening.The cops were skeptical the two incidents were connected.Andrea's games and computer were missing
Aegis Group Chapter 134
ANDREA CLUNG TO THE arm rests on either side, her feet braced against the floorboard. The man-she recognized him-but from where?"Oh my God!" She squeezed her eyes shut as the man passed another car on the shoulder."Shut up," he snapped.He had a gun. She needed to do what he said.But dear Lord, was he trying to kill them both?"Watch out!" She really should not have opened her eyes, but closed-she was going to be sick."I said shut up." He reached across, grabbed a handful of her shirt and shook. Threads popped and fabric ripped.He released her, snatching the wheel in both hands."I'll stop. Whatever it is I'll stop, I swear," she said. Andrea would promise the man anything, if he'd let her go. She wasn't brave, she wasn't strong, she just wanted to get away."You bet you'll stop." He stomped on the breaks and the car skidded a good ten feet, almost into the intersection.The car was stopped.That was important.Why?Because-stupid, stupid, stupid-she coul
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Aegis Group Chapter 490: Epilogue.
Two months later. Ekko's Apartment, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.EKKO STARED AT THE table with the spread of food laid out.Was there enough? Did she need more? Would Coco and Paxton like it?She reached out and adjusted the tray of cheese so it was at more of an angle instead of perfectly aligned to everything else.It looked too neat."Stop." Silas took her hand and spun her toward him, capturing her against his chest with strong arms around her waist."It looks like I'm trying too hard." She smoothed her hands up and over his shoulders."Stop. It's just Paxton and Coco.""Your best friend and his fiancé, who I haven't met yet.""What?" Silas' face scrunched up. "You've talked to her dozens of times.""In the background of you and Paxton talking. That doesn't count." She pulled away from him and proceeded to turn dishes a little this way and that."You do realize Coco spends most days digging in elephant shit and stuff, right?""Silas." She scowled at him."What?" He gr
Aegis Group Chapter 489: Thursday. New York Hospital, New York.
IT FELT LIKE THE weight Silas had been carrying around in his gut had now attached itself to his eyelids. He floated in darkness, no longer asleep but not yet awake. Someone had called this twilight once, though he couldn't recall who. Something wouldn't let him go back to sleep. There was something he needed to do. It was urgent.What the hell was it?That nagging question hounded him as he ever so slowly gathered his strength.He wasn't aware of time or how long it took to wrestle one eyelid open, but at long last he peered out of his darkness into...more darkness.Well that was just dandy. What the fuck?He blinked that one eye again, letting his vision adjust. He was in a room and there was a light on, it just didn't do much.Machines beeped and whirled around him.That was a sound he could never mistake and it told him the first piece of his puzzle. From there the others fell into place, one after another.He was still in the hospital.He'd been hurt.There was a fight.
Aegis Group Chapter 488: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
EKKO CLUNG TO THE stretcher bearing Silas out to the parking lot.She hadn't realized how bad his injuries were. He was barely keeping his eyes open. Tears leaked out of her eyes as she kept pace with the two paramedics. Silas covered her hand with his as they came to a stop at the bumper of an ambulance.Paxton, Brett and Vito were sitting inside. They were worse for wear and grim, but seemed okay.All around them police were marching uninjured people they'd arrested to sit in a line next to a chain-link fence blocking the sidewalk. The night was lit up with swirling lights that made her head spin."Where's Chayan?" she asked. Her heart was tearing in two, aching for both men.A little distance away an ambulance took off, sirens blaring. She hoped it was the one with Pasley in it."Ma'am, I need to look at that wound," a paramedic said to her.She held tight to Silas' hand. "What about Chayan? Older man, little taller than me? Salt and pepper hair?"Silas had said he was fine.
Aegis Group Chapter 487: Wednesday. New York City, New York.
IGNEY PACED IN A circle, looking down each hall in turn.Where were they? Had he miscalculated? Were they willing to lose the woman so long as they got the man?His orders were clear. Get both the man and the woman.The woman was a symbol. Too many young people had taken to the streets because they listened to others like her.The man though, he knew things.Killing the woman was personal. Chasing her had cast him in a bad light. But the man was more important in the grand scheme of things."Fuck," Igney muttered. He glanced at a pair of men striding for the doors. "You. Come here."The men never glanced at him. Because they didn't understand him?He whirled to face Alban. "Where are the others?""I don't know where Delem and Michil are." He grimaced. "I haven't heard from them since we split up to search the building."That wasn't good.Igney had heard a lot of gunfire. Was it possible the other men he'd brought with him were dead?If both Chayan and Pasley escaped, leavin
Aegis Group Chapter 486: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
EKKO'S ONE OFFENSIVE ATTEMPT was an utter failure. Her head spun and she was going to be sick.This wasn't good.She felt like a ragdoll being drug around, first by Igney then another man she didn't recognize. He spoke Daurian though which could only mean one thing.He was London DSS.Her body chilled. Was that from fear or the blows to the head? She didn't know anymore."Come find me, Pasley, or your little bird dies," Igney cackled into the radio.She tasted bile.Pasley had called her little bird back in the park.Igney cackled like a bad movie villain. The man was enjoying this. He was getting off on torturing them all.What about Silas?Pasley was with him.If Pasley told Silas, if he knew, they would come for her. Silas was determined to bring them all home and to keep her safe. But if he did, if he came to her rescue, Igney would kill them. Igney needed her and Chayan. Which meant he couldn't kill her here and now. It was an empty threat. Wasn't it? Did she dare belie
Aegis Group Chapter 485: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
SILAS PUSHED HIS GROUP hard as they traversed the second floor. The sun had fully set, plunging them into complete darkness where there weren't windows or other lights.This building was a damn maze, and every turn they needed was blocked by too many people to fight their way through.There had to be more than the fifteen or so they'd estimated. More like thirty.This wasn't good.What about Ekko? Where had the others gone to?He'd hoped getting down here meant they would find her and Paxton, but so far all they'd found were a few bodies. At least they knew Paxton and Brett were eliminating the other side. But no one had taken the ammo or guns. Why? When resources were this precious, why not take them?Could they have gotten free? Did he dare hope?Something thumped in the darkness. Like a heavy footfall.Silas cursed himself as he skidded to a stop. He didn't see anything, but his gut screamed at him. He pivoted and threw himself at Chayan, shoving the other man aside. Silas w
Aegis Group Chapter 484: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
THE DARKNESS FELT AS if it were swallowing her.Ekko clung to the back of Paxton's shirt like he'd directed. She couldn't shake the sensation that there were hands out there reaching for her. That Igney or one of the others were biding their time and waiting for the chance to kill her.Where was Silas? What about Chayan and the others?They'd been separated before she realized what was going on.Behind them a burst of gunfire spurred her on, shattering the silence.She knew it was Brett. Was he trading gunfire with someone? Those shots all sounded the same to her. She hoped he was safe. He was only one man and they had no idea how many were behind them."Stay close." Paxton reached back and pressed her hand to his back.Her head pounded with each and every step. It hurt so bad, but she didn't want to say anything. Her pain was minimal compared to what could happen."Will you cut that out?" Paxton yelled behind them.He side stepped and sort of skipped through a narrow gap betw
Aegis Group Chapter 483: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
SILAS GRIT HIS TEETH to keep from telling Paxton to hurry the fuck up. It wasn't like Paxton was slow. The knife on his belt tool was small and no doubt dulled after cutting through several sets of thick, plastic restraints.Sitting like this it felt as though there was a ten pound weight sitting on his guts. He didn't know what the knife had cut, but Silas knew from the woozy feeling and blood making his jeans sticky it wasn't good. He had to get the others out of here before his clock ran out."Which way did they bring you up?" Silas asked Brett instead of chafing at how long getting free was taking.Brett stood by the door, a discarded piece of wood held as a weapon. "We came in some doors, up a stair to our right then a long walk down here. You?""Different way." Silas grimaced. "Do we retrace our path, or avoid it? How many people were with you?"Brett grimaced. They'd been hooded when they arrived. "Hard to say.""Let's assume at least the three that came in here plus one o
Aegis Group Chapter 482: Wednesday. Unknown, New York City, New York.
EKKO STARED IN SHOCK, her head spinning as the men left the room again."S-Silas?" she whispered so softly she barely heard herself.He slumped sideways groaning.Had that man-that monster-just stabbed Silas?"Man, Silas, dude, talk to us." Paxton had scooted forward, his arms extended behind him, attention on Silas."I'm fine." Silas' voice was strained. "Brett, Vito, how are you two?""Alive," Brett groaned."Vito? Man?" Silas shook his head and sat up straighter."Fine."This was it.Ekko swallowed.They'd done everything and in the end, they were outplayed.The DSS would kill them. She wasn't sure why they hadn't already, but she didn't doubt that death was the final move. All of these people, they were going to die because she'd been arrogant. She'd thought she knew what she was doing, when in fact she hadn't a clue.A sob tore out of Ekko making her already aching head pound harder."Ekko?" Silas called out. "Ekko, listen to me, this is going to be okay. Pax?"A ch
