Page 142 of The Company

I nod at the stain and turn, going back the way I came. When I get to the gate, I open it instead of jumping over since I’m on the inside now. And then I walk back to the running truck where Sasha still sleeps with her face pressed up against the cool window.

I put the truck in gear and watch a few bikers go by in a roar of power a block down.

I look back at Sasha and consider Harrison’s offer. He’d never be able to control this kid. Because she’s not a kid, she’s a killer. But…

I look down the street, past the courthouse and let my eyes fall on the Catholic school across the street from the city buildings.

… but Ford lives here. Two miles away, across from a huge park. The park has a pool. And an ancient trolley that rides down the middle of his goddamned street. His life right now is something out of a postcard.

Sasha loves Ford. Ford would take her, I know he would.

I stop at the red light and just stare at the school, trying to picture Sasha happy and normal.

I want that for her, I do. But… I need her too much to let her go.

The next time I look up, the light is green so I make a left, back towards the freeway. Where I will take Sasha to the last place on earth she wants to be.

That’s right, James. You’re an asshole. You have a chance to give her a new family, but no. You deny her that opportunity so she can play her part in your sick plan that will never work.

But the funny thing is… Tet isn’t concerned with any of those messy feelings. And so I let James slip away as the road passes by. James zones out and Tet takes over.

After all, he’s the one who gets things done.

He’s the one who keeps us alive.

And right now, staying alive is the only thing that matters.

Until it’s time to kill.