Page 39 of Seeking Salvation

“Nico, the man who was here when we got back, recognised me. Turns out he was part of the Cobras when I ran it.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before when we ran the pictures?”

“He was just a kid then, and he’s changed a lot and he went by the name Norm. I guess he decided a name change was in order.”

“Did he recognise you?”

Maya looked at Ti as he nodded. “Yeah, looked like he saw a ghost. I decided to lean into it and threatened him to stay away from Maya. Either way, she can’t go back there now.”

“Agreed. We need a new plan and we need to find a way for your rise from the dead not to get out. I’ll have Watchdog monitor any chatter and shut it down before it starts.”

“Thanks, Bás.”

“This could still be bad for you, Titan. If word gets out you’re alive, the authorities will come for you too, as well as any enemies you still have that are holding a grudge.”

Maya’s stomach twisted at the implications of what Bás was saying, and guilt and worry squirmed in her belly. She’d done this, she’d brought this on him. As if sensing her train of thought, Ti reached out and gently squeezed her hand in his, giving her a reassuring wink.

“I can handle it. The priority is Maya and Tyrique.”

“Well, that’s good because someone’s already phoned in a tip to the police.”

“Shit.”

“I’ll have Watchdog take care of it, but that’s only buying you a little time. You need to disappear again.”

“When Maya and Tyrique’s safety is ensured, I will, but these people need stopping, Bás. They killed Rose.”

Maya’s throat bobbed as she swallowed back her emotions as she thought of her sister, but what was almost worse was the thought of putting this man in danger, too. Rose was gone, she couldn’t help her but maybe she could help Ti in some way.

“I get it, Titan, and we’ll do everything we can. I just want to make you aware of the risks.”

“I know the risks.”

“Okay.”

“How is Tyrique doing?”

Maya saw the love and pride transform Ti’s features from severe to almost gentle if a man like him could be described that way.

“He’s great. Has the whole team wrapped around his tiny finger. Watchdog has him in his arms and is typing with one hand and fighting anyone who tries to take him away.”

“I thought Snow was watching him.”

“She is, but Watchdog has taken to the kid and only hands him over for nappy changes and feedings.”

Titan smiled and so did Maya at the thought of the big, grumpy geek with a baby in his arms as he ruled the world from behind his screen. That was like crack for single ladies everywhere and they’d never get to see it.

“Sounds fun. Tell him I appreciate it.”

The line crackled and Maya heard light murmurs before Bás came back. “Watchdog wants to know if Maya has that ankle bracelet he gave her and if she’s wearing it?”

Titan frowned and glanced at her leg where the silver chain sat on her ankle. “Yeah, she has it on.”

“Okay. Well, we’ll be in touch. I suggest you touch base with Reaper and Bishop and let them know we’re ditching the plan to send Maya back in and coming up with something else. I’ll call you back within the hour.”

“Copy that.”

Ti hung up and lifted her foot onto his leg, his hand skimming over her skin. He lifted the delicate chain with a round disk charm attached and studied the writing. It was some Latin wording she didn’t understand, but Watchdog had said it would keep her safe and she’d thought it was a sweet gesture.

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