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"I don't see what good it's going to do for you to waltz back in there and-"
"Can I tango back in there, instead? So much sexier than the waltz. "
"Evie, I'm serious! You just broke out of IPCA! You're going to get tased and tagged again. "
"I really doubt it. Faerie backup, remember?" I went to the window and looked down into the yard, where Reth stood in the midst of the dead brown grass, looking like a god of spring and sunshine who had seriously lost his way. He was staring straight up at me, although how he knew I'd look down right that instant I had no idea. Creeper.
I shivered a little, still not breaking eye contact with Reth. I was in over my head, I knew that, and I knew I'd owe him even more after this. I had no doubt I'd pay in a way I really didn't want to, and soon.
The door shook as Lend kicked it. "Pretty much the only idea I like less than you walking back into IPCA is you walking back into IPCA with only Jack and Reth for protection. "
"They owe me. "
"True," Jack said, standing up and swaying slightly as he shook his head to clear it. "Plus, I'm pretty sure Reth's threat to remove my hands if I don't help Evie is still under effect. And I'm always up for making hell at IPCA. It's a favorite pastime of mine. "
Lend kicked the door again, harder. "Along with abandoning people in the Faerie Paths?"
"One time! I do that one time and no one's going to let me live it down? Just off the top of my head I can name five worse things I've done in the last year. "
I put my hand on his shoulder. "Probably not the best way to get back in our good graces. "
My phone buzzed on the dresser and I ran to it, hoping against hope it was from Raquel and none of this would be necessary. Maybe they'd let her out! Maybe. . . No such luck. Carlee had written: "omg met a guy soooooo hawt older 2 im dying merry xmas to me CALL. " I twisted half my face into a smile, wishing I could call her for details. Alas, more people I loved needed rescuing. "Txt me details, cant talk now, xoxo. " One of these days my life would be normal and I could be a good friend again.
The doorknob twisted. "I'm coming with you. "
I ran over and held it shut. "No, you are so not. We can't carry your unconscious body around the Center. Besides, I need you here. If something goes wrong, I can't handle you getting hurt. "
"Wait, so it's okay if I get hurt?" Jack asked.
"Yes," I snapped at the same time as Lend and Arianna.
"As long as you're sure, then," Jack muttered.
Lend jiggled the doorknob. "What about you getting hurt?"
"I've already broken into the Faerie Realms and stabbed the Dark Queen. After that, a bunch of government suits? Not so intimidating. "
"Please tell me stabbing does not factor into your strategy. "
I laughed. "Of course it doesn't. I left my knife in her neck, anyway. I think I'm just going to run around and punch people, see if I can't find a teenage girl to tase me. " I knocked teasingly on the door.
"If you really want to get Raquel out, then you need me. You can't turn into anyone and everyone you see. I can. So if you really want this covert mission to be a success, why on earth are you leaving your best asset at home?"
"I-Because you-"
I looked at Arianna for help, but she shrugged. "He's right. "
"GAH!" I shouted, throwing my hands up in the air. "Fine!" He was right, of course. I couldn't risk Raquel's freedom on anything less than our best effort, and Lend should be part of it. Much as I hated to admit it.
"None of this would be a problem if you'd followed my plan to send all the faeries to hell," Jack said, his voice laced with annoyance.
"Do you really want to bring that day up again?" Lend asked, the door doing nothing to muffle the threat.
"So!" Jack said, clapping his hands and grinning at me. "We ready to go? What's the transportation plan?"
"I guess I'll go with Reth, and-"
Lend shouted, "No, you're not going anywhere alone with Reth. "
