The Drafter
Page 114

Silas thought of the gun in his pocket, remembered the fear and determination in her eyes when she faced him across the stage and rediscovered how badly her world was messed up. Thats why I want to pull her out.
We cant. Allens eyes caught the overhead glow of the stores OPEN sign. If we pull her out before its done, the alliance will never trust her. Shes gone too deep, becoming what she needed to be in order to survive. She has to give us Opti on a platter before anyone in the alliance will trust her to resume her full responsibilities. She either sees it to the end and makes the decision to side with the alliancewith her still oblivious about her beginningsor she goes down with Opti. That goes for you, too.
Me!
Allens chin lifted in anger. Peri got a few points for freeing you, but you didnt take her back to the alliance. You ran off with her and the daughter of the head of the alliance, not to mention their best cleaner.
So she could finish it, Silas said, remembering his fruitless conversations with Fran.
Is that what you told Fran? Allen said mockingly. She buying it? All they see is you not doing what they sent you to do.
Silass head thumped back against the hard brick. He had refused to bring Peri in as a traitor, yes, and now the alliance suspected him as well.
You lost your cred. Allen glanced at the storefront and then the damp parking lot. The alliance trusts me more than you. And unlike me, you dont have a golden parachute.
Got this all figured out, huh?
Yup. He nodded, infuriating Silas. You need to find another way. That list you set your sights on is gone. They couldnt find the chip, so they torched her apartment.
You son of a bitch, Silas whispered. You knew that was her ticket out. How could you let them burn it?
Let go of me, Allen said coldly, and Silas pushed the smaller man back, only then realizing hed grabbed Allens coat. She can still clear her name, Allen said as he shifted his shoulders to get his coat straight. It doesnt change anything.
She gave her life for this, Silas said softly, not knowing how to help her anymore.
We all did, Allen said flatly.
Silass jaw clenched. To pull her out now would destroy her reputation and her future. He had no choice but to see it through, possible MEP or not. Son of a bitch. He hated feeling helpless. Shes going to kill you before this is over, Allen. And if she doesnt, I will.
Maybe I deserve it, Allen said.
Silent, Silas turned and walked away, hands in his pockets and his head downagainst the light rain. You think Im misjudging our chances? Allen said, but Silas kept going. You think Id risk her life like this if I didnt think I could save her?
But Silas hadnt been a coward for leaving Opti when Allen had continued as a double agent. Hed been a realist.
I listened to you, Silas, now listen to me! Allen shouted, and then more calmly, Bill, before you have a cow for me leaving Peri alone, just listen. Im at the store. She sent me out for cat food so she could search the place. I thought it might make her feel better, so I left.
Silas jerked to a halt and spun. Allen stood in the rain under the humming security light, cat food at his feet and phone to his ear.
I dont mind her looking around, Allen said as Silas returned. Shell relax more if she feels in control. Besides, I wanted to get out so I could talk to you. I have a doubt.
About what? Allen had angled the phone so Silas could hear Bill, his usually flamboyant voice flat through the tiny speaker.
It wasnt an inquiry, more of a suspicious warning.
Ah, the memories your team implanted, Allen said. I dont think theyre holding.
So get in there and tweak them, Bill demanded. Did you think it would be easy?
Bill, Allen said, but Bill wasnt done yet.
Sandy says its your attitude that is holding her back, and Im tending to agree. Grow a pair, will you? I need you both in the field by next month.
So sorry were interfering with your bottom line, Allen said tightly, and Silass mistrust flared. Sandy was never hurt by her.
Yes she was, Bill countered.
That knife throw didnt even hit her. Besides, Sandy isnt sleeping with the bitch.
And if you were, this might not be happening, Bill said, shocking Silas. Get back to your apartment. It sounds as if shes taking the place apart, talking nonsense to her cat.
Silas met Allens gaze. She wasnt talking to the cat. She was talking to Jack. Look, I understand the closure shed get by killing Silas, Allen said, but seeing him might have jiggled something loose. She doesnt trust me.
Do you blame her? Bill said, his voice mocking. I think its a reasonable reaction. Silass team came back. Interrupted her. Shes right that your intel sucked. Maybe youre not up to her standards.
The hell with you, Allen said, his anger too hot to be faked. I didnt ask for this job.