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I didn't want to know the details, I really didn't, so I changed the subject. "What about the spirit lizards?"
Iktar's people, despite his confidence, hadn't been able to free themselves from the implants as quickly and as easily as he'd boasted. They were all still here when the Directorate swept in.
"We've come to an agreement. His people I've let go. The clones will be held for study to insure they have no Starr-implanted agendas in their subconscious."
They'd already had an agreement in place, but I didn't bother pointing that out. "And Iktar?"
He grinned. "Will be joining the Directorate's new daytime division, along with a few of his people."
"Don't you think their featureless face is going to be a little noticeable?"
"Just because it's called a daytime division doesn't mean it'll actually be all daytime work."
"Did you come all the way up here just to give me that cheery piece of news?"
His amusement faded away. "No."
"Then what?"
"You can't go home." His gaze met mine. "Not immediately. We're arranging a new apartment for you and Rhoan."
I had no reaction to the news. I think I was simply too darn tired. "Why?"
"Gautier slipped the noose."
"Bound to happen given he was our best guardian." I rubbed my eyes wearily. "Maybe he'll just move to another state and leave us alone."
"You don't believe that any more than I do." He slipped a hand into his pocket and drew out his cell phone. "You'd better read this."
He pressed a button then held the phone out. I took, it, and read the message.
Thank you for freeing me from the restraints of servitude. For that, I shall give you time to recover. But not long. We have unfinished business, Riley, and I fully intend to make good the promise I made in the arena.
I handed Jack back the phone but didn't immediately say anything. Because what was there to say?
The Directorate's best guardian had turned rogue. The hunter had become the hunted.
And the hunted was coming after me.
I hugged my knees a little closer to my chest. "I guess the one good thing is that bringing clown Gautier will probably be a piece of cake compared to Starr."
"If you think that, then you're not as bright as I thought you were."
"Way to kill feeble hopes, boss." I blew out a breath. "So what do we do now?"
He shrugged. "We wait. And when he finally shows himself, we'll kill him."
How? I wanted to ask, When you couldn't even contain him when surprise was on our side? When he didn't even know he was being watched?
"He won't get you, Riley. I promise." Jack raised a hand and lightly squeezed my shoulder. "There's a car waiting near the gates - why don't you go see your brother?"
"And the cleanup here?"
"Could take days yet. But there's plenty of people here to worry about it. You need to rest and recuperate."
I blew out a breath, then rose. I'd go see my brother, then get the bath and coffee I desperately craved.
After that, there was nothing I could do but wait.
