Page 69 of Savage Warrior

No. No, no, no. I need to help them. I must go back.

Arina writhes on the bed, semi-conscious but still desperate to escape. She fights me when I restrain her, begging me to let her go. To let her go back to Belarus to save her sister and brother.

Her efforts are futile. Just a few moments pass before she collapses, exhausted. I’ve seen and heard enough, though. I make up my mind.

“I need to leave,” I tell Megan who is hovering beside the monitors. “When she wakes up, tell her I’ll be back when I can.”

“Where are you going? She needs you here.”

“Caraksay. There’s something I need to do. I have to speak to Ethan…”

“But—”

“She’s in good hands here. Look after her for me, and when she’s well enough, take her to Caraksay. She’ll be safe on the island.”

“What about Ethan?”

She’s right to query my instruction. Our boss doesn’t allow visitors to our private sanctuary. He relocated to Caraksay to ensure his family were safe from our enemies, and while it’s true that the community there has grown in recent years, outsiders are not welcome.

“I’ll square it with him,” I assure her. I’m on my feet, hopping across the room despite the awkward crutches I’ll be using to get about until my leg heals. Halfway to the door, I drag my phone from my pocket and find Magda on my speed dial. I need a ride.

Back on the island, I head straight for the castle and up the main stairs to the offices on the first floor. I rap on Ethan’s door. The sound reverberates along the hallway, bouncing off the solid stone walls of his stronghold.

“Come in,” he calls.

I enter. Three pairs of eyes swivel to regard me. Aaron and Tony are here, too, and I obviously disturbed a meeting.

“Rome. I wasn’t expecting you. Was I?” Ethan’s brow furrows. “Is something wrong?”

“I need to speak to you,” I tell him.

“Well, here I am. Go ahead.”

“Do you want us to leave?” Aaron offers, starting to rise.

I shake my head. “I need your help, too.”

All three settle down.

Ethan gestures to a spare chair opposite him. “Would you like coffee?”

“No. I’m good.” I take the offered seat. “I need the use of a helicopter,” I blurt without preamble. “And a pilot.”

Ethan frowns again. “Anytime. You know that. There’s no need to ask.”

“And your permission to go to Belarus.”

He pauses, then, “This concerns your companion from the backwoods, I assume.”

“Arina. Yes.”

“How is she?”

“Missing a spleen, but she should be okay. Eventually.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Am I to also assume that you mean to take her with you to Belarus? I gather she’s keen to return home.”

“No way. It’s too dangerous for her to go home. Ever. And I want her to stay here. With me.”

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