Page 107 of Black and Brown

“We will stand with you,” Mirage agreed. “But if you cross us…you do it at your own peril.”

Grace heard the nock of an arrow to its bowstring. A half second later, another arrow sliced through the crisp air.

It flew less than an inch past Grace and Mirage’s head, but there was no thump where it should’ve embedded into the tree behind them.

He and Mirage turned to see Meridian’s outstretched arm clutching the arrow in his right hand.

Fuckin’ hell. Was there anything this motherfucker couldn’t do?

Neither he nor Mirage had heard them approach or knew how long they’d been there.

“It is an honor, Meridian. Your legacy precedes you.”

The tree limbs and leaves swayed on heavy gusts of wind as if even nature recognized superiority when it entered.

Meridian stood tall and righteous beside Ex in his tailored black suit and foot-length black trench, with his hood just covering his eyes.

He didn’t speak as he carefully removed the small piece of paper that dangled from the arrow’s fletching.

“Show yourselves,” Ex spoke in a commanding tone that implied no room for negotiation.

They all had enhanced vision, so it didn’t matter that there was little to no light where they stood.

As if choreographed, the Greens descended between a maze of twisted branches whose silhouettes resembled long skeletal fingers and touched down in perfect synchronization, a scattering of leaves accompanying their descent.

The dark green hoods shrouding their heads were slightly pointed at the top, the front half covering their eyes, leaving the bottom of their sun-kissed skin exposed.

The large wooden bows strapped across their backs made them resemble modern-day Robin Hoods.

They took two steps forward, each footfall soundless as if the earth welcomed their presence.

The six of them stood squaring off with each other, a fragile balance of enhanced skills, power, and respect.

Even without their weapons drawn, the aura of danger radiated off each pairing.

“There’s a computer in the director’s safe behind a canvas painting that contains an encrypted file.”

Grace pointed to his Hart locator, and Mirage asked, “How will we contact you?”

“Find our handler. She’s known only as Jo. There are more Ravens than the six standing here…find them while we diminish any threats in our path.”

And with that last bit of information, the Greens melted back into the underbrush, leaving no trace of their presence behind.

Meridian turned the paper over and showed Grace the note.

We all need to go back to the beginning.

“Let’s go.” Meridian turned, knowing they’d follow. “I have a promise to keep.”

Mirage

Ravens Headquarters

One week later

The heavy wood door creaked open as the four men eased inside the director’s office.

“You can go for the evening, Brad,” the director said with his back to them as he stared out the window, drinking whatever liquor was in his glass.