Page 109 of Deck of Scarlets

When we arrived back on the main floor, some squads were already set and ready, and others were starting to call names to join the remainders. I’d never seen so many members in one room, dressed in all the same attire, right down to the shoes.

Josh stood with Emilia and Cillian and two other members of Captain Harrison’s fleet.

Emilia caught sight of me before anyone else and smiled. “There you are, Remi. This is Silas and Jules. They’ll be a part of our group.”

Silas’s dark skin and hair in contrast to those light green eyes were breathtaking. He stood no more than six feet tall, slightly shorter than Josh’s towering build. He waved sheepishly, and a stunning set of teeth flashed my way.

Jules’s white-blonde hair hidden underneath her cape came down in long waves, and eyes the color of mahogany brightened at my arrival. “Hello, Remi. Nice to finally meet you.”

We shook hands, her grip tight and confident.

Josh’s voice filtered inside my head. Emilia boasted about you slaying that Magidoz.

A sharp whistle blew, followed by Captain Harrison’s voice booming through the cathedral. “Each squad is labeled with a number. Everyone will acquire a Bluetooth earpiece, the frequency matching only the members of their squad.”

Cillian handed us each an earpiece, and I secured mine in place, turned it on, and heard a soft buzzing of static.

Emilia tapped hers, testing it out. “Making sure everyone hears me okay. We’re squad number seven.” Her voice came in nice and clear, though a little echoey because of us being so close. Captain Harrison continued. “Your squad leaders were all given a map of the campus and surrounding areas of New York City. Coordinates are highlighted where you’ll be stationed. You’ll dispatch on arrival and wait for your next instructions. To infiltrate and eliminate successfully, we all must work together, and make sure to follow the instructions promptly.”

Why do I get the vibe that he’s trying to run a play with a high school football team? I asked.

Probably trying to prove to Dean Poverly what a shit job he’s doing.

Speaking of Dean Poverly, none of the Aces were in attendance, not even Father Benedict, to watch us depart on our mission. Where is everyone?

I was just thinking the same thing. Something’s off. Keep your guard up and your head on a swivel. I have a bad feeling.

That made two of us.

Squads began to whisper the word falach, preparing for their departure. Cillian recommended that we do the same, double-checking our attire and making sure weapons were secure one last time before opening the map.

Emilia pointed a finger at one of the coordinates highlighted in yellow. “It says we’re stationed at Sunset Park… in Brooklyn?” She looked around, searching for someone, probably Captain Harrison, but he’d gone MIA.

Cillian rubbed his chin. “I wonder if another horde was located here.”

Josh, however, wasn’t convinced. “If the horde was last seen here on campus, then why are we being stationed miles away?”

By now, all but us had left the cathedral, making it difficult to ask anyone if they were also stationed near us.

I guess we’re about to find out, mumbled Josh.

Emilia folded the map and looked at us with a smile. “So, who wants to drive?”

Chapter Forty-Four

Silas as the designated driver was nothing compared to Chloe and her crazy, unhinged turns and race car speed.

For once, I didn’t feel like my stomach ended up in my throat.

Clutching the handle in the back seat, we arrived at Sunset Park before midnight, the night sky somewhat clear, a few stars shining through the haze of city lights in the distance. Silas parked the van along the docks, the ocean water lapping lazily against the shoreline. A sea breeze kissed my cheeks, and the smell of smoke and stale fish tickled my nose.

Emilia pulled out her pager, most likely notifying Captain Harrison of our arrival. Josh polished an arrow on his shirt, surveying the grounds, sometimes catching my attention with a look of uncertainty.

Jules, Silas, and Cillian looked over the map, commenting on possible locations of other squads, but judging upon first sight, we were the only ones around.

“Anyone else having trouble with their pager? I can’t seem to get a signal.” Emilia held the device high in the air, trying to get through.

“Odds are, if yours is down, so are the rest of ours,” commented Silas.

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