Page 33 of Secret Redemption

“Skye called earlier, Noah had a dream. He dreamt one of the girls was being taken from the hospital.”

“Which one?” Zack demanded.

“We don’t know, all he saw in the dream was a woman with her back facing him, and a black bag over her head as a large man put her in a van.”

“Did any of the women have any appointments?” he asked, his matter of fact tone belying the urgency he felt over this news.

“Two. Lauren and Celeste. We cancelled them both for the foreseeable future. But Lauren will need to be regularly monitored at this stage of her pregnancy, especially with twins.”

Zack hummed in agreement. “How is Dane taking this?”

“Not well. I’ve told him I would speak to you about him working from home. He’s reluctant to leave her at all now. Will can set a secure loop for the computer system and Nate and Liam have been over there to set up a perimeter alarm for him with some new tech of Will’s.”

“Okay. Tell him that’s fine. I can use Kanan to fill in if he’s willing.”

“He’s willing. He’s losing it about any threat to his sister. He’s moved into her place despite him and Samson not yet coming to a complete understanding.”

“What was wrong with Celeste that she needed to see the hospital?”

“Not sure, she was a bit cagey and just said girly stuff when I asked. I didn’t want to pry, so thought maybe Ava could talk to her.”

“Fine, I’ll ask Ava. Did we find out what the calls were that Liam and Drew got before Zin went off the books on us?”

“Yeah. Liam’s had been from Ambrose’s girlfriend, and Drew’s was a recent hook-up who was claiming she might be pregnant.”

“Fuck, stupid boy! How could he be so stupid?” Zack heard a cough, and then a muffled laugh on the line before he realised what a fucking ridiculous thing that was for him of all people to say. “Right. Well, I think we need to consider getting some of the families to a more secure location,” he continued, brushing straight over what he’d said.

“I agree, but where?”

“I might have an idea, but I’ll have to call you back.”

“Cool, talk soon, boss.” Daniel hung up, and Zack quickly dialled another number.

He drummed his fingers on the desktop as he waited for it to be answered. Things were heating up, and he needed the civilians or at least as many of them as possible, safe. Some would baulk, but most would see it his way—hopefully.

The call was answered on the fourth ring.

“What?”

“K, don’t be a grumpy twat, I saved your life today.”

“Fuck off, Zack.”

“Kanan, I have an idea about keeping the civilian’s safe. The Watchers are targeting them to make us weak, and we need them in a secure location.”

“I’m listening.”

Zack smiled to himself. “The Cunningham estate is closed up. Only a skeleton staff are there. Mum and Dad are never there after their move to Switzerland, and you and I know that place better than anyone. It has a secure position, and you can see anyone coming for miles. What do you think?”

“It could work.”

“Okay, can you come over to mine now? We need to discuss it and work out a plan after today. Bring Celeste. I know Ava would love to see her.”

“Same old Zack, demanding people do as he says.”

Zack breathed deeply to calm the sudden rush of anger. How long would K continue to hold this over him? “Really? I thought after today we were over recriminations?”

He heard a sigh on the line and then a pause. “I’m on my way, Zack,”